A crucial initiative that could provide comprehensive vision care to tens of thousands of Ohio’s youngest students is in jeopardy as lawmakers rush to finalize the biennial state budget by June 30.
June 16, 2025
By Rachel Scofield
The proposed Ohio Student Eye Exam (OhioSEE) program, put forth by Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, aims to address a critical educational gap. Although Ohio mandates vision screenings for school-age children, follow-up services are rare: only 26% of students requiring additional care ever receive it. With 80% of learning occurring visually, this lapse means “tens of thousands” of students go untreated.
OhioSEE would annually serve around 33,000 kindergarten through third-grade students, delivering full eye exams and glasses to those who fail initial screenings and lack access to further care. Modeled on recommendations from the Children’s Vision Strike Force, the program, administered by the Ohio Department of Health, envisions flexible delivery—ranging from mobile vision vans and school-based clinics to referral systems and homeschool screening days.
Funding in Limbo
In Gov. DeWine’s executive budget, OhioSEE was allocated $50 million over the 2026–2027 biennium, with $22.55 million in FY 2026 and $17.42 million in FY 2027.
However, while the House version of the budget kept these provisions, the Senate Finance Committee removed all funding for OhioSEE—a move that effectively gutted the initiative.
Call to Action
This week, Lilane Fox, the Governor of Lions Clubs International District 13 OH7, issued a plea for help:
“It is urgent that Lions who are passionate about vision and children’s eye care needs contact their House Representative and Senator TODAY to make known how important you think it is to fully fund the OhioSEE program in the budget NOW!”
With the budget deadline just two weeks away, advocates are urging constituents to share personal stories and emphasize the real-world impact of vision care to legislators now negotiating the final budget.
“As Lions, this is one way we can make a real difference to children in Ohio,” Fox reminded members. The clock is ticking—only decisive public input will determine whether OhioSEE will remain in the final budget.
To contact your state senator and representative, please click the following link: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/members/district-maps.
