OneSight, Aetna and Chicago Public Schools: Boosting Students’ Potential To Excel And Succeed

Back to News

1 in 4 students has an undiagnosed vision correction need in the United States. And OneSight is committed to changing that. From March 11 -15, we partnered with Aetna and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to offer free eye exams and glasses to hundreds of CPS students who would otherwise have limited or no access to vision care. Volunteers from around the country participated in setting up and running a charitable clinic on the Truman Community College campus.

According to a study by OneSight and Deloitte, clear sight can dramatically impact learning. It helps students comprehend and learn up to twice as much and can reduce drop out rates by as much as 44%.

“We value the relationship we’ve developed over the years with OneSight and our other partners who help us ensure CPS students receive the services they need, when they need them. We have a district of over 361,000 students, many with vision related needs and our school-based/school-linked vision exam program helps us eliminate poor vision as a barrier to learning.”

– D. Kenneth L. Fox, Chief Health Officer for the Chicago Public Schools

 

“Our fight for clear sight is essentially a fight for human potential. We have hosted over 900 charitable clinics and are happy to bring this experience to Chicago Public School students.”

– Janet Duke, Clinic Manager at OneSight

The clinic spanned Monday through Friday, serving 781 students in total. Out of the patients seen, 81% needed glasses. Participating schools and programs included:

  • YCCS- Middle College
  • Truman College Child Development Lab School
  • The largest English as a Second Language and GED programs in Illinois, with more than 12,000 adult students annually

Vision changes can occur without a child or parent noticing them. So it’s important for students to receive an eye examination every year, or more frequently if recommended by an eye doctor. Yet over 55,000 CPS students have minimal or no access to optometry and opthalmalogy services. OneSight and Aetna’s partnership was made to serve this vulnerable student population as well as help raise community awareness about the importance of vision care.

“Data tells us that only about 10 percent of our health is a result of what happens in a doctor’s office. By contrast, 30 percent of our overall health comes from our genetic makeup and 60 percent from our social and physical environment, otherwise known as social determinants of health. Social determinants of health play an important role in how young people grow and thrive, and we are happy to support an effort that contributes to vision wellness.”

– Jerome Dioguardi, Vice President, Aetna Dental and Vision

You have the power to dramatically impact a student’s ability to learn. Donating just $30 can provide an eye exam and a pair of glasses to someone in need.

 

×  

OneSight

Donation

$