Perez Elementary School students were the first in Central Texas to benefit from a joint effort between the Austin Community Foundation and Essilor Vision Foundation bringing a mobile vision van to Central Texas.

“More than 85 percent of learning comes through the eyes and the ears,” AISD Assistant Director of Comprehensive Health Tracy Lunoff said. “Having the mobile vision van at the student’s school will allow students to be able to get eye exams and prescription glasses without missing any instructional time.”

While vision screenings are required in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th grades, Kids Vision CTX will be able to screen students in other grades up to age 18. The clinic, which will provide vision services to low-income children through school clinics and community events, will not only screen students, but give eye exams with an optometrist and provide prescription glasses when needed, at no cost to the student or their family. 

“Kids Vision for Life Central Texas is based on the idea that if kids can see, they will do better in school,” Christin Alvarado, Kids Vision for Life CTX program director, said. “”it’s also very efficient. For $100, we can provide five vision screenings, 1.5 eye exams and a pair of prescription glasses.”

Schools qualify for the service if they are Title 1 and four Austin ISD elementary schools will be served this spring.

Students who require treatment beyond glasses will be referred to Dell Children’s Eye Center for evaluation regardless of insurance or citizenship.

The mobile vision van will also be available to students at Feria Para Aprender this Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m.- 3p.m. at Highland Mall. Students must be 5 to 18 years old to participate and either qualify for free or reduced lunch or not have vision insurance.

For more information, visit www.kidsvisionctx.org.