Students in rural Louisiana are gaining access to essential vision care through a partnership focused on supporting learning and long-term health.
Free vision screenings were recently provided to students at D.F. Huddle Elementary School in Alexandria and St. Charles Street Elementary School in Jeanerette. The effort helps ensure that children can see clearly in the classroom, which is an important factor in academic success and overall development.
Clear vision plays a critical role in a child’s ability to learn, yet many students go without routine screenings or access to eye care. Bringing these services directly into schools helps remove barriers for families in rural communities, where access to care can be more limited.
“For children to do well in school, they need to be able to see properly,” said First Lady Sharon Landry, founder of the Love One Louisiana Foundation. “By bringing vision screenings directly to these schools, we’re helping remove barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve access to care for children and families across Louisiana, particularly in underserved areas. Partnerships like this help connect students to essential health services in the places they already are, like their schools.
“Healthy vision plays a vital role in a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Jamie Schlottman, Plan President of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “When children can see clearly, they’re more confident in the classroom and more engaged in their learning.”
By delivering care directly in school settings, this effort helps ensure that more children, regardless of where they live, have access to the screenings and support they need for a healthy start.