In a recent visit to Spencerville Elementary School in Allen County, Governor Mike DeWine showcased the ongoing success of the OhioSEE program, emphasizing its role in providing essential vision services to young students across the state. This initiative, officially known as the Ohio Student Eye Exam program, delivers comprehensive eye exams and eyeglasses at no cost to kindergarten through third-grade students in participating schools, directly addressing barriers to vision care in high-need areas.
Launched in January 2026 by the Ohio Department of Health, OhioSEE operates as a pilot in 15 counties identified for their significant gaps in children’s vision services, where more than 80 percent of students who fail initial vision screenings do not receive follow-up care. The program brings mobile vision vans and in-school clinics to enrolled districts, ensuring services are accessible without requiring families to travel or pay out-of-pocket. Officials estimate that once fully implemented, OhioSEE could serve up to 14,000 children annually statewide. As of early 2026, over 130 school districts have enrolled or are in the process, with more than 90 already participating in the pilot.
For south central and southern Ohio, the program holds particular promise. Counties such as Ross, Jackson, Guernsey, and Clermont are included in the pilot, targeting regions where access to vision care is often limited by geographic and economic factors. These areas, part of the Appalachian region and other underserved communities, stand to benefit from improved student outcomes, as clear vision is crucial for learning and classroom engagement. In Clark County, for instance, districts like Springfield City Schools and Tecumseh Local Schools are already involved, helping dozens of students receive glasses that enhance their daily educational experiences. Governor DeWine noted during his tour that the excitement on children’s faces when trying on new glasses underscores the program’s real-world impact, particularly in addressing unmet needs in these southern counties.
The initiative stems from recommendations by the Children’s Vision Strike Force, formed in 2024, which highlighted that only about 26 percent of Ohio students needing vision care actually obtain it. By focusing on early grades, OhioSEE aims to prevent long-term academic setbacks caused by untreated vision issues. In southern Ohio, this could mean brighter futures for thousands of kids in counties like Ross and Jackson, where local schools can now integrate these services seamlessly into the school day.
Participation begins at the school district level. Superintendents and administrators in the 15 pilot counties, including those in south central Ohio such as Ross and Jackson, are encouraged to enroll by submitting a request form on the Ohio Department of Health’s OhioSEE website. Upon submission, districts receive a program packet with an official enrollment link and detailed guidelines. For families, the process is straightforward: once a school is enrolled, students identified through routine vision screenings receive parental consent forms for on-site exams and glasses if needed, all at no charge. Parents in southern Ohio counties should contact their local school administrators to inquire about participation or upcoming screenings.
As Governor DeWine continues his statewide tour, the call to action remains clear: more districts in the pilot areas, especially in southern Ohio, should join to expand access. For south central Ohio residents, this program represents a vital step toward equitable education, ensuring no child is left behind due to unseen vision challenges. For more details, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s OhioSEE page or reach out to OhioSEE@odh.ohio.gov.
