Free Vision Care Program Launches for Collier County Students
A new vision program called “We See You” rolled out across Collier County Public Schools, offering free eye exams and glasses to students who need them. Students who fail the initial screenings are referred to a mobile clinic for a more in-depth exam and follow-up care.
The numbers show that 25% of students in the area need glasses but don’t have them. Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) director Maria Jimenez-Lara explains, “NCEF did quite a bit of research and some data studies. We talked to our partners at the school district, and we learned that one in four children actually lack eye care or eye services and may need eyeglasses.”
Under this program, kids who need them get two pairs of prescription glasses – one to keep at school and one for home. Each pair is engraved with the child’s ID number so they can be returned to the student if misplaced.
“[It’s] incredibly important for academic success as well as confidence for these kids. Because you don’t have confidence if you can’t see very clearly, you’re not playing sports very well, and you feel a little bit left out,” said Dr. Bailey Peterson, an optometrist with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
More specialized care, such as genetic screening, surgeries, or an MRI, is also covered, with the support of the NCEF. With partnerships like these, every child in Collier County can get proper eye care – no matter what.
