Community Outreach

"Vision difficulties are one of the most common child health problems in the United States and the most prevalent handicapping condition in childhood. As children grow and mature, between 70 - 80% of what they learn is processed through their eyes. Children with uncorrected vision problems experience major disadvantages… [and are] likely to have difficulty learning and succeeding in school."

KCFEC Urban Youth Vision Screening Program

Approximately "20 and 25 percent of school-age children suffer vision problems that, if left undiagnosed and untreated, affect performance in school and in life. Some research suggests that in low-income, urban areas, the problem affects even more children." Today, the Kansas City Missouri School District educates nearly 18,000 children from multi-ethnic, multi-cultural backgrounds. Over two-thirds of students are of minority descent; and 80% of students qualify to receive free-reduced price lunches. It is estimated that, over 4,500 students attending schools in the Kansas City urban district have some sort of vision impairment, which has the potential to affect learning and scholastic achievement.

To address these challenges, KCFEC recognizes the need for not only promoting vision screens in schools, but also providing an effective follow-up solution-free corrective lenses for students with vision problems. KCFEC will fulfill this promise by targeting urban middle schools and high schools to identify students with visual difficulties. Students will then receive prescription glasses free of charge through the VisionBridge Initiative.

We are looking for individuals, community groups, and foundations to sponsor these and other KCFEC programs. If you are interested in making a donation or grant, please Donate Now! Or Contact Us.