EyeCare4Kids Arizona (EC4K AZ) offers underprivileged families access to professional eye care for their children. We provide vision screening, eye exams and eyeglasses for deserving youth whose parents do not have the means to pay. Our mission is to provide professional eye care to low-income, visually impaired children and families. We recognize the inherent link between vision and education and are dedicated to giving all students the best chance at academic, social, and emotional success.
Growing up amidst the challenges of the 21st century can be difficult for any child, but without clear vision, the satisfaction of a fulfilling life becomes that much harder to achieve. The Vision Council of America has stated one in every four children has a vision problem that can interfere with learning and behavior. This number rises to almost 40% for those in poverty. Although some type of vision screening is often required prior to children entering school, important follow up care is unavailable to those who are uninsured or under-insured. A simple eye exam can be transformative, but the deficiency of accessible vision care is crippling our most vulnerable populations, leaving them at an unfair socio-economic disadvantage.
An important community resource, EC4K AZ seeks to treat vision problems early so children can lead full, healthy lives from the start. According to a study by Think About Your Eyes, 24% of parents wait for their children to have symptoms before taking them to an eye care provider, which is problematic because children do not understand "normal" vision. Some youth do not realize they have a vision problem until it's identified by a schoolteacher or nurse. Untreated eye disease and disorders regularly lead to poor academic work, developmental delays and reduced overall quality of health. Early intervention helps as many as eight of 10 children to make significant developmental gains (Conditions of Children report, 2012).
With a new brick-and-mortar location (4432 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, AZ) and a mobile clinic to serve the vision needs of children throughout the Phoenix Valley, EC4K AZ is a community resource who makes a definite difference in the lives of the children it sees.
For more information call 602-336-2208 or email infoaz@eyecare4kids.org
