A young girl with long hair in a ponytail sits in a chair facing a middle aged woman holding a vision screening camera.

Prevention Services

VisionCorps’ focus is on preventing vision loss within our communities. Services start at a young age through our KidSight vision screening and educational programs. Education continues through all ages with our speaker circuit, presenting information about our services to community organizations. Because routine eye exams are key to prevention, VisionCorps also offers a voucher program that can help provide eye exams and eyeglasses to qualified individuals.

A young girl with long hair in a ponytail sits in a chair facing a middle aged woman holding a vision screening camera.
  • Nearly 10% of all preschoolers have a vision-related problem that often goes undiagnosed, and occasionally those undiagnosed problems can result in permanent loss of vision. Because over 80% of all learning is visual, good eyesight is important for school success. To address this, VisionCorps provides free vision screening for children ages 6 months through six-years-old. If a possible problem is detected, a referral will be made for a full eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Early detection and correction of poor vision is key to helping children succeed socially and educationally.

    Watch this video  to learn more about our screening process.

    Our KidSight program also offers an educational component for preschoolers. Through this short, interactive program, the children learn basic concepts about eye health and safety.

     

    Quote

    During a KidSight screening at my grandson’s preschool, it was discovered that he has an issue with his vision.

    Had the problem not been caught early, Teddy's vision correction may have been much more difficult. My husband and I, and Teddy’s parents, are so very grateful for the wonderful and caring work that VisionCorps does for those who are blind or vision impaired.

    Suzanne B. Sigman - Grandmother of a child screened via KidSight

    Questions? Connect with our KidSight staff!

    Request a KidSight Screening

    KidSight screenings can be provided to groups of children ages 6-months to 6-years-old in preschool, daycare or kindergarten registration settings. Submit this form to request a screening.

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  • Access to eye care is a right every Pennsylvanian should have. Unfortunately for some, they may lack insurance coverage or the means to pay for it. Partnering with the Pennsylvania Vision Foundation, VisionCorps is able to assist financially qualifying families in Adams, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties. Individuals in need will receive a voucher that allows them to access a free vision examination and basic frame and lenses at participating optometrists in their community.

    Search for a participating provider near you

     

    Request Information on the Voucher Program

  • VisionCorps offers free speakers and programs to organizations and employers about its services. The programs can be individualized based on the needs of the group, and include information on vision problems, living with low vision, employing people with low vision, and tips for living independently with blindness or low vision. During the pandemic, VisionCorps offers virtual programs for groups that are meeting via video teleconferences.

    In addition, VisionCorps professionals can provide training for employees who work with individuals who are blind or have low vision. These programs are helpful to those working in the healthcare field or senior care.

    Learn more about our Speaker Circuit Here!

Get Started with VisionCorps Services!

Who can we help?

People who may benefit or qualify for VisionCorps services generally meet these guidelines:

  • Vision loss that cannot be corrected through standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery
  • Living in Pennsylvania, specifically Adams, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon or York Counties
  • All ages served

Referrals for services are easy!

Eye care physicians can fill out this referral form by following the link below. To refer yourself or others, please complete the contact form or call Mary Lou at 717-205-4141.

Frequent questions about Prevention Services

  • VisionCorps provides vouchers to eligible individuals in Southcentral Pennsylvania in need of routine eye care and glasses, but unable to afford these services.

  • A vision screening does not take the place of an eye exam. A screening can indicate potential vision impairments that were previously unknown, but it is not an eye exam. Eye exams should be performed annually by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

  • KidSight screenings are provided at no cost. They are paid for through donations from the community and through a grant through the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.

  • When vision conditions are caught by age 6, there is a greater chance of being able to correct the issue. In addition, most vision conditions detected by KidSight screenings are minor enough that they wouldn’t show obvious signs of vision loss, but significant enough that learning could be negatively impacted if the issue is not corrected.

  • VisionCorps provides vouchers to eligible individuals in Southcentral Pennsylvania in need of routine eye care and glasses, but unable to afford these services.

  • VisionCorps services are provided at no cost. Most services are supported by donations from the community and revenue from the Business & Industry Group. Should clients require assistive devices or other products, there may be a cost involved. VisionCorps can connect clients to organizations to help offset these expenses.