Vision impairment is one of the most prevalent disabling conditions among children. With 80% of learning being visual, early detection and treatment of vision impairments can play a significant role in the success of a child’s academic career.

Nationally, 40% of children who fail a vision screening never see an eye doctor. Many reasons for this exist including cost and lack of transportation. This is where half Helen comes in. By providing services to children directly at their schools, we eliminate two of the most common barriers to eye care.

Since 2019, optical Prime Jr has been providing optometry services in the form of a “pop-up” clinic. The half Helen team works with schools to identify children that have failed their vision screening. These students are examined by a board licensed optometrist who provides a full eye exam and prescription for glasses if necessary. Clinics are conducted at no cost to the school, students, or their families. At half Helen, we believe that access to quality eye care is a right.

This year, half Helen will launch the second phase of optical Prime – a mobile tiny house that will feature 2 exam lanes. This upgraded clinic program will increase half Helen’s capacity to serve multiple children at once and optimize the amount of time half Helen spends at a school. To learn more about optical Prime’s journey, check out our blog.