The Eye Care Fund began in February 2015 to address the diagnosis and treatment of children with serious vision problems. According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-aged children have vision problems that, if left untreated, can affect learning ability, personality and adjustment in school. Most eye diseases can be effectively treated. Because these conditions often do not manifest symptoms in early stages, however, children are unaware of the disease until it progresses to a more advanced stage.
Children undergo initial screening by ophthalmologists. Exams include a case history, vision testing, eye health evaluation, determination of treatment plan, and routine follow-up appointments. Children with vision problems are treated accordingly.