A statewide nonprofit is expanding its mobile vision program to Staunton City Schools, bringing free eye exams and glasses directly to students.
Conexus, based in Richmond, provides free school-based vision screenings to thousands of children across Virginia. The group began partnering with Staunton schools in the 2016-17 school year, screening nearly 5,800 students and referring more than 1,500 for additional care.
This school year marks the first time Staunton students will receive exams through the mobile clinic.
“Kids today are facing so many challenges [at] school,” said Vice President of Development Robin Mead. “Correcting something as simple as poor vision can lead to a child’s success and really change the direction of their education path and their educational experience.”
In 2018, Conexus launched its Mobile Vision Clinic to address barriers to care by bringing eye doctors directly to schools. The clinic first focused on Richmond-area schools but has since expanded to serve dozens of school divisions across Virginia.
State law requires screenings for students each year in kindergarten, second or third, seventh, and 10th grades. Last year, Conexus screened 108,233 children statewide and referred more than 36,000 for additional eye care.
Conexus plans to continue its clinics in Staunton through early October, with visits scheduled for middle and high school students.
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