(left to right) San Jacinto College eye care technology student, Edgar Fernandez, gives elementary student, Covan Chavez, a vision exam that measures pupil distance during the recent See to Succeed event. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department

More than 1,000 Pasadena children receive free eyeglasses through See to Succeed

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- December 13, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – When a child's vision suffers, so does his or her ability to excel in school. That's why San Jacinto College and the See to Succeed initiative held a weeklong event in Pasadena, the region's second largest unresolved population for vision care for children.

More than 1,000 K-12 students from the Pasadena Independent School District (ISD) packed the halls of the College to receive free exams and eyeglasses during a recent See to Succeed event. Out of those identified at their schools as needing further screenings, 1,060 were fitted for free glasses, and 280 were identified as needing additional medical assistance.

"We've been waiting to host this event here – to bring these services to so many of the students who have immediate vision needs," said Debra Clarke, eye care technology program director at San Jacinto College. Last year's events were held at the Good Neighbor Healthcare Center. "It is up to us to catch these vision problems early on, so that a child's literacy improves, and in result, improves his or her school and college education."

According to the See to Succeed program, one in four children have an uncorrected vision problem. Fifty percent of children who fail school eye screenings never see an eye doctor. Children who can’t read by third grade are more likely to drop out, earn 50 percent less annually as adults, and are more likely to be incarcerated. Challenges that have faced many of the PISD students, identified as needing additional vision examinations, have included cost and availability.

"Vision directly impacts a child academically and personally," said Dr. Kirk Lewis, PISD superintendent. "What See to Succeed does makes a huge difference in these students' lives. For many, this event not only helped to correct their vision, but served as their first exposure to a college campus."

See to Succeed is in its second year in helping children across the Houston metroplex receive the vision care they need free of charge. The initiative is coordinated by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS). Partners include San Jacinto College, University of Houston (UH) College of Optometry, Essilor Vision Foundation, Wal-Mart, Berkeley Eye Center, Luxottica Group Foundation, and Eye Care for Kids. 

About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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