At Heart to Heart International, we believe that every child deserves access to essential healthcare, including vision care. That’s why our Community Health team has been helping ensure the children at Melcher Elementary School have the opportunity to see the world clearly. We partnered with University Health, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, and the KC Free Eye Clinic to provide vision screenings and corrective lenses to students in need. Here’s how this exciting project unfolded:
October 4: In collaboration with our partners, we conducted pre-screenings for 300 elementary kids using Snellen Charting. This initial screening identified 80 children who needed further eye exams.
October 11: We partnered with the KC Free Eye Clinic to begin comprehensive vision screenings for the 80 students identified in the pre-screening. During this day, 11 children received full exams, resulting in nine being fitted with free glasses and one being referred to Children’s Mercy Hospital for further evaluation.
November 17: We returned to Melcher Elementary to conduct another full day of screenings and to present the nine students with their brand-new glasses, custom-made by the KC Free Eye Clinic. It was amazing to watch these students’ faces as they were able to see the world around them clearly for the first time.
Our work at Melcher Elementary is not yet complete. We remain committed to providing ongoing support and ensuring that every child who needs vision correction receives the support they deserve.
Why is this program is so important?
- Improved vision for students: The free eyeglasses will allow children to see the board clearly in class, participate more actively in learning activities and have a more positive overall school experience.
- Reduced eye strain and headaches: Proper vision correction can help alleviate eye strain and headaches, promoting better overall health and well-being for students.
- Increased confidence and self-esteem: Seeing clearly can boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem, leading to better social interaction and academic performance.
- Early detection of eye problems: Comprehensive vision screenings can help identify potential eye problems early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing more serious issues in the future.
We are incredibly grateful to our partners, the KC Free Eye Clinic, University Health, and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, for their dedication and support in making this initiative a success. Through this program, we are making a difference in the lives of children and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
