FORT WORTH, Texas—Alcon announced the opening of the Alcon Children’s Vision Center here. The center is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Alcon Foundation and the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD). The center offers comprehensive eye exams as well as prescription glasses and access to eyecare professionals specialized in pediatric eyecare in the Fort Worth community. The center is also available for follow-up appointments and ongoing eyecare, all free of charge for qualified students in need, ranging from students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

“Alcon believes everyone should have the opportunity to see brilliantly, regardless of their age or income. We are proud to support this important initiative because when kids can see better, they can learn better,” said David Endicott, CEO of Alcon. “Watching a child put on their first pair of glasses, and the look of joy and amazement on their face at being able to see clearly, is incredibly powerful. They are literally seeing the world in a completely new way and will be better equipped for success in school and beyond.”
 
The Center’s grand opening is an expansion and continuation of a 2021-2022 pilot which provided 35,000 free vision screenings and identified 3,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade who received additional eye exams and glasses. This pilot found that one-in-five children in FWISD failed their vision screening, and only 53 percent received a follow-up exam, hindering their academic success and general health and well-being.

The center seeks to help FWISD families overcome barriers to accessing comprehensive eyecare for their children. Working together with school nurses and certified volunteers, vision screenings are performed at school on all students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. Any student who fails the vision screening is sent home with a referral to have an eye exam.
 
Students that are unable to access care through insurance or local providers can fill out a consent form to receive a comprehensive eye exam on-site at the school free of charge. Prescription glasses, if needed, are also provided free of charge. Appointments can also be made at the Alcon Children’s Vision Center as needed by texting (682) 628-2531 with a referral from the school nurse.