HEALS provides essential vision care to Madison County children from low-income families this Children’s Eye Health Month.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As August marks Children’s Eye Health Month, a local organization is working to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent young students from receiving essential vision care.
Health Establishments at Local Schools (HEALS) operates multiple clinics throughout Madison County, providing medical and eye care services to children from families living below the poverty line. The organization aims to address fundamental health needs that can impact academic success.
“It is our mission to deliver quality health care to kids at below poverty level within Madison County,” said Risa Sanderson, a director with HEALS. “We want to make sure that no child goes without those basic needs, those fundamental needs that help them be successful in school and in life.”
With students returning to classrooms, Sanderson encourages parents to watch for signs that their children may need vision screenings. Warning signs include squinting, holding objects close to their face, sudden drops in grades, and behavioral changes.
“One important thing for parents and guardians to keep an eye out for is, do you notice your child is squinting or putting things up close to their face in order to see it,” Sanderson said. “Rapid decline in grades, things like that, behavioral shifts — it’s best to just have their eyes checked out just in case.”
The clinic has encountered severe cases that highlight the importance of regular eye examinations. Sanderson cited a recent 18-year-old patient who had developed full cataracts. The organization also treats common vision problems, including nearsightedness and farsightedness.
“Some kids just can’t see the board, and they just need some support, so that’s why having those regular vision checks, especially once they are over the age of 4 or, you know, school-aged, we make sure that those are annual checks,” Sanderson said.
The clinic process is designed to be efficient for qualifying families. Staff members conduct intake procedures, review medical history and perform vision tests using eye charts and other screening tools.
For Sanderson, witnessing children receive their first pair of glasses represents more than a routine medical procedure.
“Getting to try on a new pair of glasses for the first time is a really big occasion for these kids,” she said. “It’s more than just trying on nice, stylish glasses; it’s getting to see clearly for the first time in their short lives.”
Families interested in HEALS services can visit the organization’s website or call 256-428-7560.
Donations are also accepted on the HEALS website.
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