Ohio students are getting a clearer view of the classroom thanks to a new statewide initiative.

Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff have officially launched OhioSEE, a children’s eyesight program designed to bring free eye exams and eyeglasses directly to schools in Ohio’s highest-need counties.

The announcement was made at Campus International School in Cleveland, where kindergarten through third-grade students received fitted glasses at no cost to their families through Vision To Learn, an OhioSEE vendor.

OhioSEE addresses a major gap in care. State health officials found that in some counties, up to 80 percent of children who fail vision screenings never receive follow-up care. By providing exams and glasses at school, the program removes barriers like cost, transportation, and scheduling.

School districts can choose between a mobile vision van or an on-site setup inside the school, both offering exams and glasses right where students learn. Nearly 50 districts are already enrolled or in the enrollment process.

The pilot program currently serves 15 Ohio counties. School districts interested in participating can find more information through the Ohio Department of Health’s OhioSEE website.