04/17/2024

Governor Creates Children’s Vision Strike Force

In Ohio's State of the State address last week, Governor Mike DeWine announced the formation of Ohio's Children's Vision Strike Force. 

The Governor stated in his address, “Today, all Ohio children are required to get a vision screening test in school. But, of the children who fail that screening, the vast majority of them never get a comprehensive follow-up eye exam to determine if they need eyeglasses. It is wrong that in the third decade of the 21st Century, tens of thousands of kids in Ohio who need eyeglasses are simply not getting them. However, there ARE leaders across Ohio, who are doing tremendous work so that children can get eyeglasses.” 

Dr. Shane Foster, Past President of the OOA and current President of the Ohio Optometric Foundation was in the gallery as an invited guest representing Ohio Optometry along with Sergul Erzurum, MD, President of Sight For All United. Both were asked to stand and be recognized for the current work being done to address these gaps. 

The Governor also stated, “Their models work - and we must take them statewide! Today, I am announcing the creation of the “Children’s Vision Strike Force.” This will not be a study committee. We know the problem, and we know the solution. Rather, this group will work with vision care professionals in every corner of Ohio to scale proven models statewide and provide schools with the technical assistance they need to implement these very important programs. Ohio has never had a statewide plan to ensure that every Ohio child who needs glasses will get glasses. Now we do!”  

“It was a tremendous honor to be in the Statehouse today,” said Dr. Foster. The Ohio  Optometric Foundation’s In-School Eye Exam program (iSee) has a track record of success in school-based eye care, and we look forward to sharing our model as part of the Children’s Vision Strike Force.” 

The Ohio Optometric Association had an initial call with the Governor's health policy team last week as they explore the next steps to make this vision come to fruition. “Ohio optometrists are most appreciative of Governor DeWine’s continued leadership in the area of children’s vision care in Ohio,” noted OOA Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Muckley. “OOA members and our charitable foundation look forward to assisting the Governor and the Legislature in further expanding these opportunities to deliver vision care directly to children through schools and other community-based locations.”  

OOA President Lindsay Florkey echoed support for the Governor’s vision services expansion efforts, noting “the members of our association have long been committed to closing the existing service gap for children who often fail a screening but, for various reasons, do not seek or receive the crucial comprehensive eye exam and glasses that are available right in their communities. Our doctors are excited to assist with the implementation of the new Children’s Vision Strike Force and our hope is the Governor will utilize the existing commitment of optometry to children’s vision in the formulation of this statewide effort.”