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Excerpt from Spectrum News 1: Ohio Department of Health names OhioSEE program vendors
Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, announced the new children’s eyesight program as part of his budget proposal earlier this year. The program will provide free, comprehensive vision services to students in kindergarten through third-grade in 15 high-need counties. “What we are doing with OhioSEE is so very important, and this is just the beginning,” said DeWine.
“OhioSEE is our pilot program to address the barriers preventing students from receiving the critical eye care they need. We are rolling this out in counties with urgent need, and we hope to include all Ohio counties in the future.” The counties include Allen, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Guernsey, Huron, Jackson, Lorain, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery and Ross. “This is another step toward bringing a valuable resource to Ohio students,” said ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. “We look forward to providing services to students through these vendors by early next year.”
One vendor is Health Partners of Western Ohio, which received $4.25 million for a mobile vision van and roll on/roll off services. The second vendor is the Ohio Optometric Foundation (iSEE Ohio) which received $1.5 million for roll on/roll off services. Finally, Vision to Learn received $1.73 million for a mobile vision van and roll on/roll off services. ODH said the amounts awarded are for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years.
The counties with the greatest need were identified by ODH as ones where more than 80% of children who require additional comprehensive vision care after a vision screening do not receive it. ODH said it estimates OhioSEE will serve 14,000 students each year and vision services will be available in schools starting in early 2026.
OhioSEE Moves Forward: What Ohio Schools Should Know About ODH’s Fast Action on Student Vision Care
Ohio’s commitment to student health took a decisive and commendable step forward as the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) rapidly implemented updates to the OhioSEE program. By swiftly onboarding new vendors and stabilizing service capacity, ODH ensured that school-based vision care will continue uninterrupted—an outcome that directly benefits the thousands of Ohio students who rely on timely screening and referral. This rapid stabilization reflects a clear prioritization of student well-being across the state.
At a moment when many states are grappling with outdated processes or delays in program modernization, Ohio’s rapid deployment demonstrates a clear priority: protecting children’s ability to see, learn, and thrive.
Good-Lite applauds this leadership. Quick action is not just operationally efficient—it is central to preventing avoidable vision problems from becoming long-term educational barriers.
Why Fast Implementation Matters for Ohio Schools
Ohio schools know well that vision problems are among the most common, least visible, and most consequential challenges affecting student performance. As outlined in Good-Lite’s statewide vision screening research, delays in screening or referral can lead to missed diagnoses, inconsistent follow-up, and widening achievement gaps—especially in underserved communities. Early detection depends on stable systems that support consistent care pathways.
By moving immediately to solidify OhioSEE service delivery, ODH has:
- Protected continuity of care for districts preparing for winter and spring screenings
- Prevented service gaps that could leave thousands of children untested
- Enabled schools to plan confidently, knowing resources are still available
- Centered student wellbeing, especially for children with uncorrected acuity, depth perception, or binocular vision concerns
This quick turnaround signals the state’s recognition that effective student vision care requires both urgency and stability.
Guidance for Ohio School Districts Navigating the Transition
1. Confirm Program Contacts and Scheduling
ODH has taken steps to ensure uninterrupted service. Schools should verify vendor communication channels, update scheduling plans, and reconfirm screening dates to avoid delays.
2. Maintain Consistency in Screening Standards
Whether using digital tools, analog charts, or hybrid models, consistency matters. Good-Lite’s GLD-Vision® and GLD-Studio® platforms were designed to support standardized, developmentally appropriate screening aligned with AAPOS/AAP recommendations. Districts should ensure their chosen methods meet state-recommended criteria and maintain strict documentation.
3. Strengthen Data Management and Follow-Up
One of the most persistent gaps nationwide is the lack of systematic tracking of referrals and diagnosis outcomes.
Schools should prioritize:
- Accurate documentation of screening results
- Timely communication with parents
- Monitoring whether students complete eye exams
- Ensuring referral protocols remain compliant and consistent
Digital tools like GLD-Studio® can support districts by eliminating manual entry, automating reports, and providing HIPAA/FERPA-compliant tracking systems. Reliable data systems are essential for ensuring students receive needed care.
4. Keep Families Engaged and Informed
Parent understanding significantly influences whether students follow through on referrals.
Districts can help by:
- Sending clear, multilingual communication
- Providing resources on why vision care affects academic readiness
- Encouraging families to share diagnosis information back with the school
Tools such as the GLD-Studio® Parent Portal were designed to support exactly this type of engagement.
5. Coordinate With Local Health and Education Partners
OhioSEE’s model is successful when schools, nurses, local non-profits, and care providers work in concert. Continued collaboration will be especially important as the program evolves and scales.
Good-Lite’s Ongoing Support for Ohio School Screenings
Good-Lite’s role—both nationally and in Ohio—is to help schools modernize screening practices, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen the accuracy and consistency of student vision data. Our 90-year legacy in vision screening and digital record management reflects exactly the challenges Ohio districts are now working to solve: efficiency, compliance, equity, and follow-through. These supports help districts maintain stability during periods of program transition.
As districts adjust to ODH’s updated structure, Good-Lite stands ready to support:
- Implementation planning
- Workflow optimization
- Training for nurses and screeners
- Integration of digital screening and data systems
- Policy alignment and reporting needs
Ohio’s swift response has created stability. Now districts can focus on the work that matters most: ensuring every child who needs help is identified early—and receives care without delay.
A Strong Step Forward for Children’s Health
OhioSEE’s rapid reorganization underscores that children’s vision health is not a secondary concern but an educational imperative. ODH’s quick implementation shows the state is committed to continuous access, reducing disparities, and supporting school partners with minimal disruption. This decisive leadership positions Ohio as a model for modern school-based vision care.
School districts interested in enrolling in the program can request additional information on ODH's website.
