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Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education |
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Dr. Rocío Rivas Board Member |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2024
CONTACT
Alejandra Ramirez-Zarate, (818) 270-3875, t.ramirezzarate@lausd.net
Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Passes Resolution to Expand Access to Vision Services for Students
Resolution aims to address vision disparities and improve academic outcomes through a school-based vision care program.
Los Angeles, CA (June 4, 2024) – The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education today approved a resolution to significantly expand access to vision services for students. The resolution, authored by Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas, and co-sponsored by all other board members, calls for the development and implementation of a comprehensive school-based vision care program.
Recognizing that uncorrected vision problems can hinder academic performance, social-emotional development, and overall well-being, this resolution aims to eliminate barriers to care and ensure that all students receive the necessary vision services.
The school-based vision care program will offer initial assessments, diagnosis, prescriptions, prescription glasses, and eye care at no cost to students, families, or the District. The program will prioritize services for schools with designations such as Community Schools, Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP) Schools, and Priority Schools.
“Vision is a critical component of a child's overall health and academic success,” said Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas. “By providing comprehensive vision services directly in our schools, we are taking a proactive step to address disparities and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
“Los Angeles Unified will always seek to identify no-cost partnerships that will provide expanded access for our students to more holistic healthcare, greater community opportunities and deeper academic experiences,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “It takes the entire community working together to give students the support and services they deserve and we commend any partner who joins us in this endeavor.”
Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said, “Vision care is crucial for the success of our students in the classroom and outside of it. Students will have a hard time focusing on their education during the school day if they can’t clearly see what is in front of them. Access to vision care is just as crucial as providing tutoring and intervention for students.”
Board Member Nick Melvoin said, “We know that a kid who can’t see the board is going to struggle more in school, and we have an obligation to help ensure that students who need vision care have equitable access to that care. That’s why I brought a resolution in 2020 to expand access through opt-out consent, and why I’m proud to cosponsor today’s resolution to build on that shared goal.”
Board President Jackie Goldberg said, "Many of us take our vision or our glasses for granted. But for many children, even in 2024, access to vision care is not equitable. We have come a long way to making vision care more accessible in LAUSD, but there is more we can do to make sure that every child receives the vision services they need to thrive. I am 100% behind Board Member Rivas and Board Member Schmerelson’s resolution to provide equitable access to vision care to all LAUSD students.”
Board Member George McKenna III said, “It is important that the District expand access to vision care services, especially in underserved communities. It is known that nearly a third of students have vision problems that are serious enough to impede learning and have a negative impact on overall wellbeing.”
Board Member Gonez said, “Vision care is essential for learning. Even for families that qualify for state medical benefits, we know there are barriers to accessing eye exams, services, and corrective glasses. This resolution will augment what Los Angeles Unified is already doing to provide wraparound supports so that more students receive the vision care they need.”
Board Member Ortiz Franklin said, “I knew I needed glasses in the second grade because I couldn’t see the chalkboard and got headaches from squinting. My story is unfortunately too common and as the second largest school district in the nation, we must ensure all our students have access to vision care services. Detecting our students’ vision concerns at an early age will not only improve their learning but also enhance their overall health to prepare them for the college, career, and life of their dreams.”
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