Students are seeing life a little clearer thanks to KidsVision for Life Central Texas, an organization that provides free vision exams and glasses at schools across Round Rock ISD.
The KidsVision mobile clinic has visited Berkman, Bluebonnet, Gattis, Robertson and Voigt elementary schools this year. The group plans to also visit Anderson Mill, Caldwell Heights, Callison, Forest North, Jollyville, Live Oak and Union Hill elementary schools in the next two months.
The mobile clinic is a one-stop shop for students to get the vision assistance they need. For example, KidsVision visited Robertson Elementary School on October 27, 2014 and served 34 students in its mobile clinic. Of those 34 students, 19 received glasses the same day, 15 will receive specialized glasses in one month and 19 students received prescription lenses for the first time.
“Our district is fortunate to have community partners like KidsVision that not only provide essential services, but also focus on accessibility for our families,” Executive Director of State and Federal Programs Laura Segars said. “By ensuring that all children have access to proper vision exams and glasses, their services directly impact student success.”
The clinic is outfitted with two exam areas for licensed optometrists and equipment to adjust glasses and cut lenses for each frame. Individuals with other vision issues, like a lazy eye, receive referrals to ophthalmologists for further exams.
Students are eligible to participate in the KidsVision program if the they are eligible for free or reduced lunch or if their family does not have vision insurance. Students with Medicaid are also eligible for the service.
“Vision is an obvious need, but it’s often an overlooked one,” said Christin Alvarado, KidsVision for Life Central Texas program director. “Round Rock ISD does a good job of connecting kids to optometrists and has one of the lowest percentages of kids who haven’t seen a optometrist.”
Perla Vallejo, KidsVision for Life Central Texas optician, brings an empathetic view to each school the clinic visits and understands how expensive glasses can be for families. She said many of the students that come to the clinic don’t know they need vision correction.
“I’ve had glasses since second grade, so I know what it’s like to go from not knowing you need glasses to suddenly being able to see really well,” Vallejo said. “Kids don’t complain about not being able to see because they don’t know what’s going on. Their reaction after they have their glasses is really exciting. They get really happy.”
