Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, announced the launch of OhioSEE, a new children’s eyesight program designed to close major gaps in vision care for young students.
The announcement builds upon findings from the Children’s Vision Strike Force, a group formed in 2024 to assess and address the state’s shortcomings in student eye care. The task force revealed that only 26% of Ohio students who need additional vision services actually receive them, leaving thousands of children at a disadvantage in their early learning years.
“Children must be able to see clearly in order to read, which is absolutely essential to a child’s learning process,” said Governor DeWine. “But, unfortunately, we know that children who need vision care often do no receive it. That’s why it’s imperative we help children and families get the critical vision services they desperately need.”
Dr. Vanderhoff echoed this sentiment, saying, “This is a historic opportunity for us to make a profound difference in a child’s future, at the beginning of their educational years, by assuring they have their best chance to learn.”
Targeted Support in High-Need Counties
OhioSEE will focus on kindergarten through 3rd-grade students, particularly in 15 counties identified as having the highest need. In these areas, more than 80% of children who fail vision screenings currently do not receive follow-up care.
The program aims to eliminate barriers that prevent children from receiving eye exams and corrective lenses. To achieve this, OhioSEE will fund mobile vision vans and in-school clinics that bring comprehensive eye exams directly to students. By providing care on-site, the program addresses challenges such as transportation, cost, and a lack of local providers.
ODH estimates that once fully implemented, OhioSEE will serve as many as 14,000 children per year. Services are expected to begin early next year, with schools receiving information about enrollment later this fall.
Impact on Learning and Long-Term Outcomes
Research has consistently shown that 80% of a child’s learning is visual, making early detection and correction of vision problems critical. Studies also show that reading scores improve significantly for children who receive glasses early compared to those who receive them later.
OhioSEE builds on existing vision services offered through school-based health clinics launched under Governor DeWine’s administration. By expanding these services to more schools, state leaders hope to give more children an equal opportunity to succeed academically.
Funding and Next Steps
The Ohio General Assembly has partnered with the Governor’s office to fund OhioSEE through the 2026-2027 state operating budget. The state has already issued an official Request for Proposals (RFP) to select qualified providers who will operate the mobile and school-based clinics.
Once providers are selected, schools in high-priority counties will begin enrolling in the program. With full implementation expected in the coming year, OhioSEE is positioned to be a cornerstone in the state’s efforts to improve educational outcomes through improved health access.
By ensuring that vision challenges are addressed early, Governor DeWine and ODH leaders hope to provide Ohio’s youngest learners with the tools they need to succeed not only in school but also throughout their lives.
