Budget limitations prevent science education from being included in the majority of elementary school classrooms. The volunteers provided by the Jules Stein Eye Institute offer children an introduction to vision science. These volunteers also act as positive role models to the children, which teachers have consistently reported as invaluable. Feedback from the teachers continues to confirm that the children express more interest in eye topics after our visits, and are more aware of the importance of keeping their eyes safe.
While the general educational benefit of this program is important, we continue to believe that instructing children on the importance of eye health and safety is the utmost reward for this young, vulnerable population. 80% of all the information received by the brain comes in through our eyes. Eye injury is the leading cause of blindness for children in the United States. 90% of eye injuries in children can be prevented. We believe that this program empowers children by giving them knowledge about how their eyes work, and providing them tangible ways of protecting their eyes. If our efforts facilitate even one child to be committed to wearing protective eyewear when playing sports, and this spares them a sight-threatening injury, then VISION In-School has provided the ultimate reward.
