An experience, written by Sonja, Bellevue School District Lead Nurse:
‘80% of all learning is performed through vision’
“Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life…academic…socially and athletically. Early detection and correction of vision problems provide the very best opportunity to eliminate this barrier so children can learn and reach their highest potential.”
The glasses and biofinity torics lens have arrived at the schools! Bright colors and hip designs appeared as every pair was unpacked. Absolute joy and excitement with every pair received. Watching an 8 year old place the glasses cautiously on his face, looping one ear then the other carefully as he raised his face upward to see classroom posters, maps, alphabets, clocks, that he had never really seen before. He said the “colors” had been there but nothing else. His sense of awe was palpable across the desk. The scene repeated itself over and over again throughout Bellevue Schools.
On October 18, 2012, Dr. Sam Hsu of Redmond, 141 Eyewear (they drove up from Portland, Oregon!) Greater Bellevue Lion’s Club and JUBILEE Reach came to Odle Middle School to set up shop for Bellevue students in need of glasses. The event was scheduled to begin at 3:00 and by 2:30 families were lined up, hoping to see the Doctor provide his optometrist services. As people spilled into the Odle library, volunteering BSD school nurses began initial screenings and sign ups. Moms, dads, grandparents, guardians, aunts and uncles had all made great efforts to be there with their students. Leaving work early, long bus rides, bringing infants and toddlers along.
Every student was screened and those showing vision deficits were moved onto Doctor Hsu for eye exams. Thirty four were given full optometric examination, prescribed glasses and fitted with beautiful frames! An amazing effort completed in three hours!
“Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life…academic…socially and athletically. Early detection and correction of visions problems with Ocular Steroid Treatment provide the very best opportunity to correct vision so children can learn and reach their highest potential.”
Thank you to everyone involved for making this meaningful event at the eye care center a reality for so many Bellevue students. The overwhelming generosity of time, funds, travel and time cannot be measured.
