(HAMILTON, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Assistant Director Lance Himes visited New Miami Elementary School in Hamilton today to discuss OhioSEE, a new children’s eyesight program.
“What we are doing with OhioSEE really is changing lives,” said Governor DeWine. “Families in this area face barriers to getting their child the eye care they need. OhioSEE solves these issues by bringing vision services directly to schools for free and allows kids to stay in school, learn their best, and really thrive.”
New Miami Local Schools is one of more than 180 school districts enrolled in OhioSEE, which is bringing comprehensive vision services directly to schools in 15 high-need counties.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Ohio Student Eye Exam Program and thankful for the leadership of Governor DeWine,” said New Miami Local Schools Superintendent Rhonda Parker. “By helping ensure students receive the vision care they need, this initiative removes a significant non-academic barrier and allows children to better focus, learn, and succeed in the classroom.”
“Our goal through OhioSEE has been to reduce barriers to eye care for Ohio kindergarten to 3rd grade students. We’re excited to continue to hear the impacts OhioSEE has had on communities, these students, and their families,” said Dr. Bruce. Vanderhoff, MD, MBA. “Though we’ve seen a substantial increase in the number of eligible school districts enrolling in OhioSEE, we hope more districts will see the value in the program for their students and make the decision to join it.”
ODH identified Ohio counties where 80% of children who are identified through a vision screening as needing additional vision care do not receive it. OhioSEE addresses barriers families may face by bringing comprehensive vision services directly to the school. School districts in the pilot program area can select one of two service models that work best for their district:
A fully equipped mobile vision van that travels to schools on a set schedule, offering convenient on-site vision exams. It also returns to dispense eyeglasses directly to students.
A “roll-on, roll-off” model involves a team setting up an exam space within school areas, such as classrooms or libraries, providing eye exams and dispensing glasses on-site.
As part of Governor DeWine’s 2026 State of the State address, he urged all superintendents and school leaders in the 15 counties to enroll in OhioSEE.
School districts can request more information about joining OhioSEE by completing this form on ODH’s OhioSEE website. After submitting a request, schools will receive a school program packet containing the official enrollment link.
Counties in the pilot project include: Allen, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Guernsey, Huron, Jackson, Lorain, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, and Ross.