Ophthalmology Update - Cleveland Clinic

i n n O v a t i O n
Cole Eye Institute
Vision First Program
HElps KIds In ClEvElAnd pUBlIC sCHOOls
The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute reaches out to children in the Cleveland Municipal School District with
free vision screenings on its Vision Bus.
the bus, operated by the vision First project, began in the 2002-
2003 school year and travels to all elementary schools in the
district to test the vision of kindergarten and first-grade pupils,
as well as pre-kindergarten pupils in schools that offer that program.
the bus, the size of a recreational vehicle, is fully equipped
to perform complete eye examinations.
in the 2004-2005 school year, more than 6,000 children were
screened at 88 elementary schools. about 550 were found to need
glasses and more than 200 had a vision problem that required
further follow-up.
elias i. traboulsi, m.d., head of pediatric ophthalmology at
the cole eye institute, is the medical director for the program.
heather cimino, O.d., and rhonda Wilson, an ophthalmic technician,
staff the bus. they assess the need for glasses as well as depth
perception, ability to use both eyes fully, color perception and
eye muscle strength on each child whose parents return a signed
permission slip. children in whom problems are identified are
given a more comprehensive examination by dr. hasley that
includes dilating their pupils. if glasses or further medical attention
are warranted, the school nurse is given information to mail
home to parents. many families are eligible for no-cost follow-up
care from pediatric ophthalmologists who accept medicaid.
this program is so important because many childhood vision
problems such as amblyopia are treatable if caught early enough,
but can lead to permanent vision loss that hinders a child’s ability
to learn if they are not. also, the earlier students who need glasses
get them, the sooner they can start doing better in school.
In a typical school year,
more than 6,000 children are
screened at 88 elementary schools.
Because the program is designed for such young children,
the bus is equipped with a system that lets the staff use letters,
numbers and even pictures in the exams. video cartoons are
sometimes used also, and plenty of stickers are handed out as
rewards. school nurses play a vital role in making sure the students
bring back their signed permission slips and working with
families to be sure the children get any follow-up care they need.
// O p h t h a l m O l O g y U p d a t e s p e c i a l e d i t i O n 2 0 0 6