Eyes on Learning Program*

To find a participating eye doctor, CLICK HERE
To find instructions for parents and teachers, CLICK HERE
​To find instructions for participating eye doctors, CLICK HERE
Third Grade Template Letter to Parents/Guardians, CLICK HERE

Mississippi Optometric Association and Mississippi Vision Foundation relaunch
statewide Eyes on Learning Program* with 2025 Starkville event
​New name, same commitment: No-cost eye exams provided to third-grade students who fail their reading assessment

​Madison, Miss. —  The Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA) and Mississippi Vision Foundation (MVF) kicked off the 2025 Eyes on Learning program—formerly known as the Third Grade Eye Exam program—with a two-day in-person event at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School (HWSE) in Starkville on May 5–6.

Sixty HWSE students who did not pass their third grade reading assessment were eligible for comprehensive eye exams. Over the two-day event, 37 exams were completed. One parent declined the exam, and 22 did not return the required permission form. MOA and MVF are currently compiling data from the event and will release full results upon completion.

“We know that vision plays a vital role in a child’s ability to read and learn,” said Dr. Josh Patrick, Mississippi Vision Foundation President and event co-coordinator. “This program helps us close gaps in access to care and identify needs for children who are experiencing reading difficulties.”

“Programs like Eyes on Learning reflect the heart of our profession—meeting children where they are and giving them the tools to thrive,” said Dr. Ryan Wally, President of the Mississippi Optometric Association. “By identifying vision issues early, we can help unlock each child’s full potential in the classroom and beyond.”

MOA and MVF extend their deepest gratitude to Drs. David Cheatham, Minh Duong, Sarah Fratesi, Anna Miles, Tindall Morrison, and Josh Patrick for generously volunteering their time. Additional thanks to Dr. Sarah Fratesi, Dr. Chaka Norwood, Dr. Josh Patrick, and Amy  Claire Smith for serving on the coordinating committee.

The event was made possible by generous support from VSP Vision and the EssilorLuxottica OneSight Foundation, who provided diagnostic equipment and covered the cost of frames and lenses for participating children. Price Point Co contributed consultation and coordination. The Tell Agency contributed consultation, branding, and logo development for the Eyes on Learning initiative.

To locate a participating optometrist, parents of eligible third graders should go to www.msvisionfoundation.org or call 601.572.0845. When making the appointment, parents should tell the receptionist they are scheduling the third grade eye appointment. They should bring the letter notifying them that their child did not pass the assessment test with them to the appointment. 

*Formerly Third Grade Eye Exam Program
Eyes on Learning Logo, Branding, and Brand Assets created by The Tell Agency