Helping Students See their Way to Academic Success

School nurses in the Brandywine School District provide vision screening for students in the kindergarten and grades 2,5,7,9 and 10 to determine if a student is experiencing vision difficulty. If a school nurse detects that a student is having difficulty seeing the material presented in the screening, she notifies the parents or guardians and recommends a follow-up exam by a licensed professional. Early detection of poor vision can help students succeed in school, both academically and behaviorally, and can give students more opportunities to participate in important extracurricular activities such as the arts and athletics. However, some students may not be able to follow up with an eye exam for varied reasons, one of them being the cost of the exam and corrective lenses. A new partnership between BSD and Simon Eye Associates is helping to bridge that gap so that more students have opportunities for success through  eye health.
 
Through the generosity of Simon Eye, students can be given a voucher by the school nurse for a follow-up exam and free eyeglasses, if needed. In this first year of the partnership, more than 60 students received this opportunity. If a family did have insurance, the insurance was billed for the costs. Next year, school nurses plan to work with families to ensure that transportation to the eye exam is not a barrier.
 
“We know poor vision affects learning, which can have a lifelong impact on our students,” said Lead Nurse Beth Mattey. “We are extremely grateful to Simon Eye Associates for this partnership and look forward to our continued work together.” Parents who would like more information about this program should contact their child’s school nurse at the beginnning of the school year.
 

In The Community

Community Service and Education play an important role in our broader mission to improve the understanding of eye care and eye health. From vision screenings in schools, to health fairs and other community events, Simon Eye Associates doctors and staff participate in an effort to help Delawareans and our nearby neighbors.

“I express my appreciation to Simon Eye Associates for generously helping Wilmington citizens to improve their eyesight. I am so glad that we were able to partner with Simon Eye to help make the world a bit brighter for so many of our citizens. Our physical well-being is of utmost importance. Simon Eye Associates recognizes that fact and has demonstrated its commitment to our City residents. Thank you again!” – Mayor Mike Purzycki

“Thank you so much for providing vision screenings for our school again this year! We appreciate your generous service and want to thank Dr. Yerkes and Jessica for sharing their expertise with such kindness and patience toward our children. Thanks again Simon Eye!” — Bev RN, Saint Anne’s Episcopal School, Middletown

“I cannot thank you enough for taking time from your busy day to come to Holy Cross for our Vision Screening! It means so much to have Health Care Professionals who care about our school children. Your visit to Holy Cross is a true labor of love! Please know that we greatly appreciate all of you! Thank you again!” — Bernadette K., RN, Holy Cross School, Dover

If you would like us to consider participating in your organization’s upcoming event submit your request to PR@simonEye.net.