New vision program announced for young children in Mahoning Co.

A new program by the state of Ohio will help children in 15 counties to test their eyesight. 

OhioSEE will provide mobile vision vans and temporary in-school vision clinics for eye exams directly in schools in 15 counties that are deemed as a priority based on the need.

Mahoning County is on that list, along with Allen, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Guernsey, Huron, Jackson, Lorain, Marion, Montgomery, and Ross counties.

The program will serve kindergarten through 3rd-grade students in the high-priority counties, where, according to the Ohio Department of Health, more than 80 percent of children who fail a school vision screening do not receive follow-up care.

Governor Mike DeWine formed the Children's Vision Strike Force to develop a solution for Ohio students' vision care needs. The group found that 26 percent of all Ohio students who need additional vision care actually receive it, which led to OhioSEE, which will begin in 2026.

"This is a historic opportunity for us to make a profound difference in a child's future, at the beginning of their educational years, by assuring they have their best chance to learn," said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of ODH.

The ODH estimates the program will serve up to 14,000 children per year once it is fully implemented.

Funding for the program is provided through a partnership with the Ohio General Assembly through the 2026-2027 state operating budget.

Schools will receive information about how to enroll in the program later this fall.