Free Vision Exams and Glasses Coming to Escambia County Schools Next Week

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- The Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program will bring a mobile eye care clinic to seven Escambia County elementary schools this week, providing free comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses to approximately 170 students.

Why This Program Matters

Vision problems affect one in four American children, yet many go undetected. According to the American Optometric Association, 60% of children identified as problem learners actually suffer from undetected vision problems.

Virginia Jacko, president and CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, emphasizes the gap in current screening practices: "Unfortunately, too often, children get a vision screening, but what good is a screening if the child fails the screening, but there's no follow-up dilated eye exam?"

The Heiken Program bridges that gap by providing comprehensive exams with dilation and prescription glasses at no cost to families.

Proven Results in the Classroom

The program's impact extends beyond better vision. Research based on parent surveys and report card data shows that 76% of children who receive glasses through the program improve academically.

"People get used to seeing what they see. So, it's like a miracle when the doctor hears the child say, even the teacher, I can see the board now. Of course, that results in academic success," Jacko said.

Since its inception in 1992, the Heiken Program has provided more than 227,000 comprehensive eye exams and distributed over 163,000 free prescription glasses to financially disadvantaged students across Florida. The American Optometric Association has cited the program as a national model that other states should adopt.

Program History

The program began when local Miami-Dade County optometrists became concerned about children failing vision screenings without receiving proper follow-up care. In 2007, the program merged with Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, expanding significantly. The organization now operates five mobile eye care units and holds a contract with the Florida Department of Health to serve the entire state.

Where the Clinic Will Be:

Monday, December 8 Ferry Pass Elementary School, 8355 Yancey Ln, Pensacola, FL 32514

Tuesday, December 9 Bratt Elementary School, 5721 County Road 99, Century, FL 32535

Wednesday, December 10 R C Lipscomb Elementary School, 10200 Ashton Brosnaham Rd, Pensacola, FL 32534

Thursday, December 11 L D McArthur Elementary School, 330 E 10 Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32534 Ensley Elementary School, 501 E Johnson Ave., Pensacola, FL 32514

Friday, December 12 Myrtle Grove Elementary School, 6115 Lillian Highway, Pensacola, FL 32506 Oakcrest Elementary School, 1820 Hollywood Ave., Pensacola, FL 32505

How to Get Your Child Involved

Most students have already been identified through routine school vision screenings. However, if you believe your child needs an eye exam and hasn't been referred, contact your school's health nurse immediately.

Contact your school's health nurse to request that your child be added to the exam list for the week of December 8th. A licensed Florida optometrist will conduct the exam, and if glasses are needed, they'll be provided at no cost.

About 76% of students examined through the program require prescription glasses. Having those glasses can make an immediate difference—both in what children see and how they perform in school.