Final Exams in Sight for Holmes Elementary Students Thanks to Free Vision Tests & Eyeglasses from Davis Vision and Visionworks

MIAMI, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Free eye exams and eyeglass vouchers were provided to students at Holmes Elementary in Miami-Dade County at the onset of final exams. Hosted by Focus on America®, a joint effort by Davis Vision and Visionworks, these vision screenings will prepare students for summer reading and Back-to-School success.

Miami's Holmes Elementary is a public school serving 593 students in grades PK-5 in Dade-County Public Schools. Knowing some third grade students struggled to see the blackboard, teachers pre-selected 47 students who might have vision problems. After a vision screening, 11 students were found to have a potential need for vision correction. Students identified received vouchers for a free comprehensive eye examination and free eyeglasses at their local Visionworks store. 

The results seen at Holmes, where 23% of students had a vision-need, were consistent with national findings. The American Association of Optometry cites that up to 80% of what a child learns occurs through their vision, yet one out of four children have an undiagnosed problem with their vision.

"Holmes Elementary School recognizes how critically linked our students' overall health and well-being are to their learning and academic success." said Dr. Yvonne D. Perry, Principal of Holmes Elementary, "Specifically, a students' vision is inextricably linked to all areas of their learning and their ability to demonstrate mastery of taught content. Through the generosity of Davis Vision and Visionworks, nearly 50 of our students were provided a free vision screening and made eligible for free eyeglasses. We are confident that this will contribute to improving their learning and life-long success."

Celina Burns, President of Davis Vision, is proud of the program's results, "As a leader in vision care benefits, we are a total health care company; we are also a partner that believes in fostering the growth and development of our future – our students and our community. Making a difference through quality vision care is our way of paying it forward to our clients, members and community at-large."

As part of Focus on America^®, the Kids First program holds events at select schools and school districts. For those who qualify, the program provides vision care and vision wear which includes:

• Free onsite vision screening for students (at school or school event)
• Free comprehensive eye exam for students who may have a vision issue
• Free pair of glasses, if needed, following the exam

Focus on America has provided over $10 million in products and services through Davis Vision and Visionworks outreach initiatives. Burns states, "Our Kids First program is a new initiative designed to hone in on the needs of children within their learning environment. We look forward to expanding our efforts within the Miami-Dade community."

SOURCE Davis Vision