School District to Provide Free Eye Exams and Glasses for Students in Need
Chandler Unified School District Launches Initiative to Provide Free Vision Care for Students
In a significant move aimed at enhancing student well-being, the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) has announced a partnership with the Arizona Lions Vision and Hearing Foundation to offer free eye examinations and glasses to students in need. This initiative is expected to address a critical gap in access to vision care, particularly for underprivileged families.
At a recent meeting, the district’s governing board unanimously approved the agreement with the nonprofit organization, which is renowned for its commitment to improving vision and hearing health in communities across Arizona. The collaboration aims to expand upon existing outreach efforts whereby eye screenings are mandated by law for specific grade levels.
Jennifer Fletcher, the Executive Director of Assessment, Accountability, and Research at CUSD, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that many students who fail their vision tests often lack the necessary resources to obtain corrective eyewear. “We’ve heard from teachers that often students fail their vision test and then there’s limited access for them to get to resources,” she stated, underlining the prevalent issue of unaddressed vision impairments among students.
To facilitate this program, district staff members will proactively reach out to families whose children have failed vision screenings and demonstrate a financial need. Once they identify a cohort of approximately 25 to 30 students, the district plans to coordinate an event in the community where these children can receive comprehensive eye care and eyewear solutions. CUSD intends to conduct several such events throughout the academic year, thereby fostering a more sustainable model of support for its students.
The foundation of this initiative was inspired by Valerie Gyory, the district’s Families in Transition academic coach, who advocates for the educational advancement of unique student populations, including English language learners and low-income families. “Chandler Unified is really invested in supporting the whole child,” Fletcher remarked. “We want to ensure that all their needs are being met because that helps them be more successful academically and emotionally. We want them to be successful long term.”
This partnership echoes similar efforts in neighboring districts, including Mesa Public Schools, which hosts six to seven vision care events annually. Both Mesa and Chandler are noteworthy for being the largest public school districts in Arizona, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in addressing healthcare disparities for students.
By prioritizing access to essential vision services, CUSD aims not only to improve academic outcomes but also to enhance the overall quality of life for its student population, paving the way for a healthier, more successful future.
