Prevent Blindness Northern California

SEE WELL TO LEARN - As Prevent Blindness Northern Californias flagship program, established in 2012, See Well to Learn employs an innovative, school based approach to accurately detect vision problems among low-income preschoolers throughout the Bay Area, at no cost to the students. The focus is on ensuring children receive the care they need for vision correction so they can enter kindergarten ready to learn and socially prepared for academic success. The program has served almost 53,000 low income preschoolers since 2012. See Well to Learn has 6 major components: Step 1: Vision Screening Services: Vision screening is performed by a certified vision screener at preschool sites, using advanced, scientifically validated screening technology with a device known as an Autorefractor. Step 2: Certified Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye exams are given for those children that fail the autorefractive Step 1 screening. Exams are performed onsite, at the schools onboard the Eye Bus by a licensed optometrist who is experienced at working with preschoolers. Step 3: Referrals to Advanced Vision Care: If necessary, for more serious vision conditions, connections are made to pediatric ophthalmology partnerships with UCSF, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, UC Berkeley School of Optometry and others. Step 4: Free Prescription Glasses: Free prescription glasses are provided for children who require them. Step 5: Follow-up Care: Follow-up vision checks are provided for children who are prescribed glasses and are at higher risk for serious ongoing vision problems. This helps ensure the programs efficacy and impact. Step 6: Ongoing Support: Ongoing support is provided for parents and teachers on compliance and treatment. This includes a culturally sensitive Health Educator to work with parents and teachers, events for children wearing glasses where parents can meet and support each other while their children can see and play with other children wearing glasses which normalizes the experience for all.

TRAINING - PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING PROGRAM PBNC offers fee-based educational courses on topics such as childrens vision development, vision problems in children, administering vision screening programs and on how to perform childrens vision screening, including hands-on practice. The training is targeted to professionals who are responsible for carrying out vision screening or vision screening programs, including but not limited to Head Start Personnel, Medical Office staff, CHDP administrators and school nurses. Trainings are available via in person classes or online. Total attendees who received Certification: 210 Total number of trainings provided: 19 Total number of client agencies receiving Certification Training: 19 Total Revenue: $25,968.00. PBNC also provided opportunities for Recertification via webinar online. 31 individuals completed our online recertification training for a total revenue of $1,720.00.