Third Grade Eye Exam Program Commitment!
In 2024, the Mississippi Optometric Association and Mississippi Vision Foundation remain committed to empowering children and nurturing their education in Mississippi through this program.
The Third Grade Eye Exam program began in 2015 as a response to the large number of third graders who failed the initial reading assessment, a new state requirement implemented that same year. That year 5,800 third graders did not pass the required reading level required to advance to the fourth grade. The Mississippi Optometric Association and the Mississippi Vision Foundation partnered to offer no-cost eye exams to all Mississippi third graders who did not pass. We found that many of the students had never had an eye exam. After participating in the exe exam program, 88% of the students were found to have vision issues and required vision correction and/or therapy. The program has continued to operate and support Mississippi’s third graders since the first program year.
For those who have participated in the past, we need confirmation that we can continue to list your name and location(s) on the provider list.
For those ODs who have not participated in the past, we are asking if you are willing to have your name listed as an optometrist who will offer services to any third-grade students who did not pass the reading test.
In most cases, these students likely have some type of coverage. In the event they do not, we will be asking you to provide an eye exam at no cost to the family. MOA will work with industry partners to provide frames and lenses that students need if they are not covered by insurance.
We need your responses by Friday, April 5th, 2024, to have all documents updated by the program start date. We will provide all ODs who sign up with local media materials and suggested approaches to your school district officials and your media outlets to help get the word out.
As a participant in the Third Grade Eye Exam program, we ask that you take on the responsibility of tracking the program usage and results. A reporting form is provided as part of the program details. This information will be used to help strengthen the program moving forward.
The program is scheduled from May 1 – July 31, 2024.
By submitting the form below, you can make a difference. Your willingness to participate can have a significant impact on the success of our project.
If you cannot remember if you have committed before, or would like to verify your information from prior year commitments, please click here to view the program’s list of participating eye doctors.
If you need any further assistance, please contact the MOA office.
