Approximately 14,000 children in the Mahoning Valley attend school each day without the glasses they need to see the board, read, or fully engage in class. Through our partnership with Sight For All United and Vision to Learn, students receive free vision screenings and eye exams, and if necessary, a pair of prescription eyeglasses is provided at no cost.
It is estimated that one in four children will need eyeglasses, yet many lack access to the necessary healthcare. Studies indicate that 34% of children will fail their annual school screening, and 67% of those who fail will not visit a doctor. Without proper vision, children are at risk of falling behind in class and may even display behavioral issues.
United Way engages more than 100 YSU nursing students to help with the vision screenings at our partner schools, and the Vision Van screens the rest of the students. The students who fail will then see a doctor on the Vision Van right at the school.
Partners:
- Vision to Learn
- Sight for All United
- YSU
- Youngstown Lions Club