For the eighth year, the Mississippi Vision Foundation (MVF) and the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA) will provide eye exams at no-cost to third graders who did not pass the state reading assessment test and do not have insurance. The eye exams are offered through July 31.
Statistics show that 25 percent of all school age children have vision problems, and more than 80 percent of those students do not get the help they need. Children who struggle to read are more likely to leave school without graduating; ultimately contributing to the poverty rates in our state.
How the eye exam program works:
- Locate a participating optometrist at www.msvisionfoundation.org or call (601) 572-0845.
- Let the receptionist know you are scheduling a third grade eye appointment.
- Bring the letter notifying you that your child did not pass the assessment test with you to the appointment.
- At the appointment, the doctor will let you know if your child has any vision challenges.
- All children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay will be seen by participating ODs.
- For students covered through private insurance, applicable co-pays may apply due to laws that require the doctor to collect this amount.
- MVF and its industry partners work with Mississippi ODs to provide glasses to any student whose eye exam reveals the need for corrective lenses.