On Friday, Kids Vision Fest 2013 will offer free vision screenings to all children who live in Tarrant County, plus free eye exams and glasses to children ages 5 – 12 who qualify based on the 2012 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Free and open to the public, the event will take place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus located at 300 Trinity Campus Circle in Fort Worth.
Kids Vision Fest organizers estimate that approximate 800 children whose families cannot afford vision care will receive eye exams and new glasses free of charge. Twenty (20) optometrists and an ophthalmologist will be on hand to provide the services. If a doctor determines a child needs glasses, the child will choose from the latest, “coolest” styles in eyeglass frames. The glasses will be delivered to the child’s school in about four to six weeks.
This is the fourth-annual Kids Vision Fest for North Texas. Former First Lady Laura Bush helped launch the first event in 2010. As a former librarian and teacher, Mrs. Bush understood the importance of good vision care, stating that “being able to see clearly is vital to literacy.” More than 500 children received new glasses that inaugural year, and an additional 483 children were helped at the 2011 event held at Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas. Last year was the first year that the event was held at Tarrant County College, where approximately 620 children received glasses.
Students who bring vision referrals from school nurses will be given priority on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizations bringing groups of children – such as churches, schools, rec centers and daycares – are strongly encouraged to schedule their groups in advance by calling972-764-7510 or emailing ms@essilorvisionfoundation.org. Organizations booking in advance will be scheduled starting at 9 a.m. before the doors open to the public.
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