title: School Based Vision Centers: striving to optimize learning.
abstract: The successful delivery of comprehensive pediatric vision care after vision screening referral is a longstanding challenge that has significant implications for child wellness. In response to the many known obstacles that prevent the diagnosis and treatment of vision conditions, School-Based Vision Centers have been established in Framingham, MA and Boston, MA to provide easy access to comprehensive vision care following a failed vision screening. These on-site Vision Centers were developed to improve access to comprehensive vision care and treatment thereby correcting vision conditions that can adversely affect student academic achievement, athletic performance, and self-esteem. This paper highlights the collaboration between two public schools in Massachusetts and The New England Eye Institute and describes a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care delivery to high-risk pediatric populations in school-based settings. The ultimate goal of this model is to minimize visual barriers that may impede learning in order to maximize academic success and wellness.
authors.affiliation: New England College of Optometry, New England Eye Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA. lyonss@neco.edu
authors.forename: Stacy Ayn
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Majzoub
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D012572:School Health Services; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015351:Vision Screening