It’s almost springtime and there will be lots of bright and beautiful sights to see! Our PBNC team strives to ensure that our young children can experience all the things around them with the best vision possible. Our program staff, vision screeners and volunteers have been super busy this school year working to save sight and prevent blindness. Through February, over 27,000 preschoolers participated in our on-site, free screenings held at childcare centers and preschools across NC. Due to possible vision issues, over 3,300 of those children were referred for further vision care with an eye doctor. Many of these issues had been undetected, and thus untreated prior to our screening.
In addition to providing vision screenings, our program is committed to helping children and 
families learn more about the importance of healthy vision. As part of our ongoing effort to educate childcare center staff and preschoolers about taking care of their eyes, we are excited to continue our partnership with Delta Gamma at NC State University to bring special book readings to preschoolers in Wake County childcare centers. During these visits, Delta Gamma volunteers read children’s books that explore topics such as visiting the eye doctor for the first time, getting new glasses, and how our eyes help us learn, play, and experience the world around us. Along with story time, the volunteers lead fun, vision-related activities that help reinforce these important lessons in an engaging way. This project was a huge success last school year, and we’re thrilled to bring this fun and educational opportunity back again. Offered at no cost to participating centers, the program helps build awareness about eye health while strengthening our partnerships with local preschool programs. If your preschool would like to participate, please contact our office at 919-755-5044 ext. 103.
Receiving positive feedback regarding our impact on young kids is one of our favorite parts of the program! Early childhood programs across NC truly value our preventative service for children and their families. We are happy to share some of the success we have had so far this school year.
We had one child who was fitted for glasses after a prior visit (her mom STILL talks about how she would’ve never known she needed them & would have probably waited a while before taking her had it not been for your wonderful program!!) and 3 more who are making appointments with an eye doctor this year! We appreciate the fact that you all do this every year! Our parents & families are always very appreciative as well!
-Center Director, Catawba County
We have been able to identify children with vision struggles and their parents have gotten them glasses to ensure they are prepared for school and life by being able to see clearly. The experience was very pleasant from beginning to end. All was handled with professionalism and efficiency.
-Child Development Center Director, Mecklenburg County
We have a child who received glasses thanks to PBNC. Her glasses have made such a difference for her physically and academically.
-NC PreK Site Director, Burke County
The screening went very smoothly; it has always gone smoothly since services have been offered to our PreK program. The screener was great with the children. We had 3 students that were referred and their parents have actually already made appointments for them. One received glasses, one is being seen by UNC, and another is waiting on glasses to arrive. Thank you for everything and see you again next school year.
-School Nurse, Columbus County
The process was quick. Children were in and out in no time and parents were able to take results to eye doctors. I had parents take their children to the eye doctor after the results were given to them and the need for follow-up was stated. The screener was professional and did a great job.
-School Nurse, Vance County
