iSee Program Provides Glasses for 23 Students
Posted on 02/23/2024
Did you know that vision is the primary way that learning takes place, especially for our youngest students? In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 80% of what a child learns is visual -- but 10% of preschoolers and 25% of students in grades K-6 have vision deficiencies, according to the American Public Health Association. To make matters worse, the longer eye conditions are left untreated, the more likely they are to worsen, affecting learning ability, athletic performance, and self esteem.
All of this means that early detection and treatment of vision disorders are key to maximizing each child’s health and learning!
Xenia Community Schools nurses and clinic aides are certified by Prevent Blindness Ohio to complete vision screenings for all preschool, kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grade students. Students are also screened if they are new to the district, failed a previous vision screening, or if a parent/teacher has recommended or requested a screening.
This year, students with vision concerns after the initial screening were invited to participate in the iSee Program, through the Ohio Optometric Foundation. Through this program, the students received follow-up screening from optometrists, and were also provided glasses at no cost to their family.
The iSee Program is designed to improve vision care for children across Ohio, and took place at Xenia Schools over two days in January. The eye exams for 23 students were completed over the course of the two days, where students were able to try on glasses to find their favorite style.
The students received their complete glasses 2-3 weeks following the program.
