ODH Launches OhioSEE to Remove Barriers to K-3 Eye Care

Just 26% of Ohio kindergarten through third-grade students who fail vision screenings get the follow-up eye care needed to make a difference in their learning, according to data from the Ohio Department of Health's Children's Vision Program.

To improve that number, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the Ohio Student Eye Exam (OhioSEE) Program in 2025 with support from the General Assembly. Governor DeWine and ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, visited one of the schools enrolled in OhioSEE this week to see its impact on students and schools.

"What we are doing with OhioSEE is so very important, and this is just the beginning," said Governor DeWine. "I look forward to seeing this program grow as it addresses the barriers preventing young students from receiving the critical eye care they need."

Added Dr. Vanderhoff: "Good vision plays a vital role in students' success in the classroom - even minor vision problems can significantly impact learning, reading, and participation. OhioSEE hopes to bridge the gap for students whose families may struggle to arrange follow-up eye care after a failed vision screening by bringing eye exams into schools without cost to students' families."

OhioSEE delivers comprehensive eye exams and glasses, if needed, to kindergarten through third-grade students in public, community, and chartered, non-public schools in 15 high-need counties: Allen, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Guernsey, Huron, Jackson, Lorain, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, and Ross.

Eligible school districts can select one of two service models that works best for their district:

• A fully equipped mobile vision van that travels to schools on a set schedule, offering convenient on-site vision exams. It also returns to dispense eyeglasses directly to students.
• A roll-on, roll-off model involves a team setting up an exam space within school areas, such as classrooms or libraries, providing eye exams and dispensing glasses on-site.

School districts can request more information about joining OhioSEE by completing this form on ODH's OhioSEE website. After submitting your request, you will receive a school program packet containing the official enrollment link.

If your district's county is not currently eligible, you can still stay informed by signing up for our Hearing and Vision News updates on the Children's Hearing and Vision Program website. You will be alerted if eligibility expands or new opportunities to participate arise.