our vision: A future where healthy vision is a reality for all Jamaican children.
Many children struggle in school. Many more could be doing better than they are. Education is the key to greater life opportunities and the chance to see dreams come to fruition.
But what if a child can't see well? What if a child cannot see what is written on the board in class or has trouble seeing their school books? Additionally, since the pandemic, students have had prolonged screentime use which can increase visual stress and the rate of vision problems.
We have a simple yet profound mission: to provide comprehensive eye care that is integrated with the overall health care system to children in primary schools of Jamaica. We do this by partnering with local schools, Indiana University School of Optometry, Rotary Club of Negril, on-island eye care professionals and other community partners.
Our Partner Schools
Hanover parish
Cave Valley Primary
Church Hill Primary
Cove Primary
Green Island Primary
Upper Rock Spring Primary
westmoreland parish
Broughton Primary
Ferris Primary
Grange Hill Primary
Little Bay All Age
Little London Primary
Mount Airy Primary & Infant School
Moreland Hill Primary
Negril Primary
Savanna-La-Mar Primary
St. Paul’s Primary
Sheffield Primary
Revival Primary
Our pathway
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1. Screenings
Pediatric vision screening by doctors is done to detect any vision issues and refer children in need of comprehensive eye exams.
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2. Eye Exams
Pediatric optometrists complete comprehensive eye exams for children who failed the screening exams.
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3. Fittings
Licensed opticians fit children who need glasses for their brand–new custom frames. The eyeglass prescription and frames are then sent for manufacturing in Kingston.
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4. Dispensing
We schedule a day with partner schools to dispense the glasses to children that need them. After a few weeks, we begin to follow up with schools to check in with students and administrators about adherence to wearing their glasses.
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5. Referrals
For students with severe eye issues that may require surgery and additional follow-up care, we make referrals to pediatric ophthalmologists on the island and arrange transportation, and cover the costs of the first appointment or necessary additional testing. Most referrals are made to the eye clinic at Bustamente Children's Hospital in Kingston.
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6. Follow up
Our model ensures that each child receives a vision screening every other year. Those with vision issues or who need glasses are followed up with yearly. Children who need care more than once annually are referred to an on-island optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on their needs.