School based vision centers: Striving to optimize learning

• Published in: Work (Reading, Mass.) Vol. 39; no. 1; pp. 15 - 19
• Main Authors: Lyons, Stacy Ayn, Johnson, Catherine, Majzoub, Katherine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2011; IOS Press BV
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Eye examinations; Eyes & eyesight; Health care access; Humans; Medical screening; Pediatrics; Public schools; School Health Services; Studies; Vision Disorders - diagnosis; Vision Disorders - therapy; Vision Screening; United States > US; Learning; eye care; pediatrics; wellness; school-based health center
• ISSN: 1051-9815; 1875-9270
• DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1146

The successful delivery of comprehensive pediatric vision care after vision screening referral is a longstanding challenge that has significant implications for child wellness. In response to the many known obstacles that prevent the diagnosis and treatment of vision conditions, School-Based Vision Centers have been established in Framingham, MA and Boston, MA to provide easy access to comprehensive vision care following a failed vision screening. These on-site Vision Centers were developed to improve access to comprehensive vision care and treatment thereby correcting vision conditions that can adversely affect student academic achievement, athletic performance, and self-esteem. This paper highlights the collaboration between two public schools in Massachusetts and The New England Eye Institute and describes a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care delivery to high-risk pediatric populations in school-based settings. The ultimate goal of this model is to minimize visual barriers that may impede learning in order to maximize academic success and wellness.