Ohio Governor visits Boardman school to highlight OhioSEE program
Governor Mike DeWine visited Robinwood Lane Elementary School in the Boardman Local School District Tuesday afternoon, aiming to highlight the Ohio Student Eye Exam, or OhioSEE, program.
The Ohio Department of Health describes the OhioSEE program as an initiative to provide eye care to students in kindergarten through the third grade.
Furthermore, the Ohio Department of Health estimates that 33,000 children in those grades fail vision screenings and do not have access to follow-up exams.
OhioSEE provides access to certain tools and resources to several kinds of academic institutions throughout the state, including in Mahoning County.
Through OhioSEE, students at participating schools receive:
- Vision screenings to look for potential vision problems
- Comprehensive eye exams as an alternative to local eye care providers, if unavailable or hard to access
- Prescription glasses at no cost
- Further referrals if needed
"We found that when kids are screened in school, about two-thirds of them never get glasses. They never really get a full eye exam even though they're flagged and people are told they need to get an eye exam," said Governor DeWine during the event.
Across the Boardman Local School District, more than 130 students are receiving comprehensive vision services through OhioSEE.
"Boardman Schools is so grateful to Governor DeWine for being included in this initial pilot of the OhioSEE program," said Superintendent Chris Neifer.
Neifer continued," We know that our students can only do their best if they are able to clearly see what they're reading or what their teacher is sharing on the board. Having the resources we need to get glasses to students who need them makes all the difference!"
Reports indicate that roughly one in four children between the ages of six and 18 who need glasses and are wearing the correct prescription can help improve academic performance and learning experience.
"We are making an impact on students at a time when being able to see clearly is absolutely critical to learning. We are bringing services right to the school so every child that needs care is guaranteed to receive it," said Governor DeWine.
More information on the OhioSEE program can be found on the Ohio Department of Health's website.
