As a community service since 1985, Assistance League of Fullerton annually sponsors a vision screening program for elementary, public and parochial school children at the school sites in the communities of Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, Buena Park, Placentia and Yorba Linda. Assistance League of Fullerton contracts with the Ketchum University, School of Optometry to perform the screenings each school year.  Assistance League of Fullerton also contracts with community optometrists and ophthalmologists. These vision professionals provide additional screening for children that are referred who do not have an optometrist or ophthalmologist free of charge. Assistance League of Fullerton provides financial help for lenses and frames.

For the 2017-2018 school year, the program screened 4,334 children at 19 public schools and 3 private schools. 492 children were referred for further testing.

Optometry Students
Ketchum University Optometry Students
Thank you for my new glasses!

  • Which children are screened

    Annual vision screenings are performed on all kindergarten, third and sixth graders at 19 public elementary schools, 3 private and parochial schools and students from one continuation high school. Approximately 5,000 students are screened yearly and approximately 1,000 students are found to need further exams. Parents or guardians are notified by school nurses of their child’s need to see a professional for additional testing. If any of those students need financial assistance for doctor appointments and glasses, Assistance League of Fullerton sends them a letter offering financial assistance and doctor referrals.

    The annual screenings and referrals of children with vision problems are beneficial to the community in many ways. Of greatest importance, it improves a child’s view of the world. Children and most parents are not aware of a variety of vision problems until they have been diagnosed and corrected. The effects of corrected vision problems may indirectly help with a child’s behavior, demeanor and performance in the classroom as well as at home and everyday life situations. The long term benefits to a child are incalculable. In December 2003, at Sunset Lane School, the 100,000th child was screened. The chapter was recognized for its service to Fullerton students at a school board meeting in January, 2004.

  • Visual conditions screened

    The level of screening that is provided by the Ketchum University, School of Optometry, is more extensive and of higher caliber than can be performed by district nurses or school personnel. Children are currently screened for visual acuity, retinoscopy, eye tracking and general health of the eye.  Many school districts only check for visual acuity.

  • Funding for vision screening

    Vision Screening is not duplicated by any other group in our community. We are able to provide a service to a large school population by writing and applying for grants, through the funds raised from our thrift store, and our annual fundraiser event, Taste of the Town. All members participate in the screenings and many members volunteer to help at several screenings.  Each school screening requires approximately 4 – 5 hours of time depending upon the size of the school.

    The total annual budget for vision screening and referrals is $12,500. In the past 25 years we have contributed over $330,000 to Vision Screening and referrals for the children in our communities.   Visit our DONATE page if you would like to support us.