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Vision To Learn Extends Free Screening Clinics for JPS Scholars
October 9, 2020
Vision To Learn Brittany Lindsey discusses the screening with a student. | Vision To Learn conducts free screenings at Bates Elementary. |
The Spot Screener, which works like a camera, displays results instantly. | The high-tech Spot Screener is a small autorefractor that accurately identifies vision issues. |
Vision To Learn and Jackson Public Schools are providing free vision screenings to JPS scholars ages 5–18.
Modified to comply with COVID-19 safety guidance, the screenings take place in designated rooms at host schools that are sanitized between visits. Masks are required and are provided for those who may arrive without a mask. Technicians use a contactless device that works like a camera to conduct the screenings. Parents are able to take the screening results with them to a local optician if the results show the student needs a follow up.
Brittany Lindsey, Project Director of Vision To Learn in Mississippi, explained that the process uses the same technology that is seen in doctor's offices but in a smaller frame. The Spot Screener device makes the screening process non-intimidating but it is high tech enough to provide screening results comparable to what would have been received in an optician's office.
"There's a need here in this area. There are so many children in this area who can't read," said Lindsey. "They may have issues with learning because of the fact that they can't see. It's important that we try to figure that out early instead of later in life. It is important to get screened every year because our eyes change every year."
Upcoming screenings will be held from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the following locations:
- Boyd Elementary, 4531 Broad Meadow Drive | October 14, 15 & 16
- Kirksey Middle, 5677 Highland Drive | October 19, 20 & 21
- McWillie Elementary, 4851 McWillie Circle | October 22 & 23
Vision To Learn started its operation in Jackson Public Schools in May 2017. At the time, an estimated 5,000 JPS students were in need of its screening services and free glasses. The organization's goal is to provide vision screenings and glasses to two million school-aged children.