Mobile Eye Clinic Brings Critical Vision Care to Staunton Students
STAUNTON, VA – A mobile eye clinic operated by the nonprofit Conexus is providing free vision screenings, exams, and glasses to students in Staunton City Schools, addressing a important barrier to learning. The initiative, which visited Bessie Weller Elementary on September 3 and Ware Elementary on September 10, aims to ensure all students have the vision they need to succeed academically.
Research indicates that children with vision problems are more than three times more likely to fail a grade in school. Recognizing this connection, Conexus is working to proactively identify and correct vision issues within the school system.
Del. Ellen Campbell, representing Virginia’s 36th District, observed the mobile clinic at Ware Elementary.”Students today have a lot of obstacles when it comes to learning,” she said. “Helping them see better removes one of those obstacles.” She highlighted the importance of the service for families facing logistical challenges. “Not everybody has the same resources… Think about these kids right here. Their parents are at work today, so if they had to figure out a way to take off from work to take them to the doctor… it’s a great resource.”
During the visit to Bessie Weller, Conexus provided 36 eye exams and prescribed 27 pairs of glasses. Notably, 75% of the students examined had never received an eye exam before, and 78% of those prescribed glasses will be receiving their first pair.
“We come in and screen, get an eye exam and get a pair of glasses within a month,” explained Jeff Baldwin, communications director with Conexus. “Not a lot of people can say that we find a problem and fix a problem that quickly.”
All students in grades mandated by the state are being screened, with teachers able to refer additional students if they suspect a vision problem. The program aims to swiftly address vision issues and positively impact students’ academic trajectories.
