Four CVMA members (NECO, BMC, 2020 Onsite and Prevent Blindness Northeast region) have worked together with Boston Public Schools (BPS) to plan and instigate a pilot vision program "Vision for Boston", which supports students who have not passed their vision screening, but have not accessed comprehensive eye care.
New England College of Optometry
provided the vision screenings at 13 pilot schools in the fall of 2019;
Boston Medical Center
(Preschool to Grade 3) and
2020 OnSite
(Grade 4 and older) expanded their eye exam services for the children identified from the BPS screenings or by the school nurses.
Through partnership with
Warby Parker
in the pilot, BPS students could receive free eyeglasses. Those receiving eye care in the community could bring a copy of their recent eyeglasses prescription to receive an additional pair.
It is hoped the pilot will also raise awareness in the schools and with families of the importance of well-corrected vision for a child's school readiness, and prompt action if a child does not pass a vision screening.
To view the Grade 4-12 portion of the initiative in action
click here.
