Vision To Learn, together with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health), MUSC Children’s Health, and MUSC Storm Eye Institute, have affiliated to bring free vision services to kids in need in South Carolina. With the support of MUSC Health and an incredible outpouring of community support, Vision To Learn launched in Charleston this past September with eye screenings conducted in school auditoriums, exams provided in a mobile vision clinic traveling each day to Charleston County School District (CCSD) Title 1 public schools, and optician-led glasses dispensings following up a few weeks later.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to help students who have, for years, gone without basic eye care — to the detriment of their academic achievement. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full academic and wellness potential,” said Patrick Cawley, M.D., MUSC Health system CEO and Vice President for MUSC Health Affairs. “This program is a great fit with our mission to improve continuity of care for children in need throughout the region, and we look forward to working with other community eye care providers to fill this important need for our community’s children.”
Vision To Learn is fortunate to have a strong partnership with CCSD, including the unwavering support of CCSD Nursing led by Head of Nursing Ellen Nitz. In a survey of 92 school nurses CCSD, 96% of the respondents indicated that mobile vision services that provide free eye exams and glasses at school will benefit students in the schools they represent. When asked to identify barriers preventing families from accessing care with a vision specialist after a referral, 71% checked transportation, 72% lacked money, and 72% lacked knowledge regarding access to care. The VTL model solves these healthcare access issues by bringing services at no charge to the student, family, or school, directly to the students in school.
When Nurse Nitz announced the launch of the program at a CCSD school board meeting, it prompted a standing ovation from the entire school board and school administration. The program will continue to help students in CCSD and plans to offer services to neighboring Berkeley County and Dorchester County school districts in the coming years.
Supporters
The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation
Charleston County School District
Boeing Global Engagement
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health, MUSC Children’s Health, and MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute
Dollens Family Foundation
Motley Rice, LLC / Joseph and Lisa Rice
Roper Saint Francis Physicians Endowment
Margaret and John Thornton
Kristof Holiday Impact Prize
The Duke Endowment
Peter Kellogg Family
Russell Holliday and Hal Cottingham
The Leon Levine Foundation
John M. Rivers, Jr. / John M. Rivers, Jr. Foundation
South Carolina Physicians Care Charity
Scott Phillips
Linda Plunkett and Amanda’s Fund
Ingevity
First Citizens Bank Foundation
Volvo US Car Operations Foundation
Henry and Sherry Blackford
Stacy and Rana Jordahl
Charleston County
City of Charleston
City of North Charleston
Bakker Family Fund
Walmart
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
Sisters of Charity Foundation
Coastal Community Foundation of SC
Dr. & Mrs. J. Gilbert Baldwin, Jr.
Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation
Batson and Diane Hewitt
Post and Courier Foundation
The Ceres Foundation
Henry Smythe Family
Steve and Emily Swanson
Carolina Panthers
TRUIST Foundation
Robert and Merrill Fei
Kiawah Cares Foundation
Huffines Company, LLC
Legato, LLC
Ella Ann and Frank B. Holding Foundation
Mayor-Elect William Cogswell
Senator Tim Scott
Governor Henry McMaster
OneSight Essilor Foundation
Contact
Charleston Office
8084 Rivers Ave
Suite 202
North Charleston, SC 29406
Phone: (980)895-2886
Email: charlestonsc@visiontolearn.org
Spartanburg Office
355 South Main Street
1st & 2nd Floors
Greenville, SC 29601