An estimated one in four school-aged children has vision problems. Many experts believe that 80 percent of learning comes through a child's eyes. Early diagnosis and treatment of vision problems are essential to learning.
A new plan for early vision screening
In January 2014, Partners for a Healthier Community, an initiative of Baystate Health, partnered with Children’s Vision MA Coalition, Lions Club District 33Y, and the Department of Early Education & Care, and five Springfield preschools (Children’s House, New North Citizens Council Child Care Center, Springfield Partners for Community Action New Beginnings Child Care Center, Square One, YMCA Learning Center) to launch EyeSEE (early Screening, Education, Exams) to implement early vision screening in Springfield preschools.
EyeSEE is a systems change model to assure all children have the opportunity to develop and retain their best possible vision to support healthy development and academic growth and to ensure all preschoolers enter Kindergarten with good vision.
EyeSEE is now collaborating with Gayathri Srinivasan, Assistant Professor, New England College of Optometry, to launch the Zero to Three Research Study designed to create a system that detects vision problems in all children from birth to age three.
Get your child an eye exam
On Monday, February 22, the New England Eye on Sight Mobile Vision Clinic will be at New North Citizens Council Child Care Center located at 2455 Main street in Springfield, to provide comprehensive eye exams on preschoolers three years of age and younger.
Children participating in the study will receive:
- A vision screening by the SPOT Vision Screener
- A comprehensive eye exam by a licensed pediatric doctor on the New England Eye on Sight Mobile Van parked at their school
- A free pair of glasses, if required
Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC) is a non-profit organization committed to improving the public's health by fostering innovation, leveraging resources, and building partnerships across sectors, including government agencies, communities, the health care delivery system, media, and academia.