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For School Nurses & Educators

Available Resources
  • Sight For School Funding Request

    PURPOSE
    The NFCV Sight For School Fund is intended to cover the costs of eye exams and glasses for those in need who do not qualify for any of the other available charitable programs (refer to: Nebraska Charitable Vision Care).

    ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
    Available to students enrolled in Nebraska schools (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade):
    A. Who are not covered by Medicaid or any vision insurance plans.
    B. Who are eligible for free or reduced lunch and whose parents/guardians lack the ability to pay for an eye exam or prescription glasses.
    C. Who do not qualify for, or cannot access, any other programs or services that offer free, discounted and/or charitable vision care from local providers.
    D. Whose eligibility is validated by a written recommendation from a school nurse or school administrator.

    PROTOCOLS
    1. School nurse identifies student and verifies eligibility based on above guidelines.
    2. School nurse requests Sight For School voucher from NFCV.
    3. School nurse provides voucher to student’s parent/guardian with instruction on how to make an appointment.
    4. Parent/guardian makes appointment with a participating provider and presents voucher at the appointment.
    5. Participating provider performs vision exam and if glasses are needed, supplies prescription glasses based on Medicaid frames/lenses.
    6. Provider submits reimbursement form to NFCV.
    7. Sight For School Fund reimburses provider at Medicaid-allowable rates.

    AUTHORIZATION REQUEST/APPLICATION
    Requests for funding must be submitted by a school nurse. Please complete this application form. Once received and reviewed, a Nebraska Foundation for Children's Vision (NFCV) representative will follow up. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the NFCV office at 402-474-7716. Thank you!

How Vision Impacts Student Learning

80% of Learning is Visual

Visual ability in students is often taken for granted because the student does not complain.  It turns out, in many cases they don’t realize that it’s a problem, and due to the subtle nature, parents often aren’t aware their child is having issues either.  As a result, it’s very useful for teachers and nurses to be aware of the warning signs of visual issues.  Addressing these issues will unlock a much brighter future for students.

In some cases, students may be labelled as having behavioral problems or as lacking intelligence solely because they struggle with visual problems.

Our goal, to educate on the warning signs - so that students get the help they need and deserve.

Warning Signs of Vision Problems

  • Child becomes easily distracted
  • Avoids near tasks
  • Has emotional outbursts
  • Poor self image
  • Shows aggressive behavior
  • Low comprehension
  • Poor concentration
  • Fails to complete assignments
  • Frustrated with school
  • Exaggerated head movements
  • Loses place and skips lines
  • Very close reading distance
  • Has no voice inflection when reading
  • Rapidly fatigues when reading

Meeting Financial Needs

For some students, there might be financial issues that are preventing vision examinations.  If you are facing such a situation, you’re not alone.  There are resources available to assist!

NFCV has held School and Community Clinics to serve large groups of students by providing free exams and glasses.  These events are an excellent way to remove the barriers for families and students in getting vision care.  They also allow NFCV to collect data that can support future projects to further serve Nebraska’s children.

However, a larger scale event is not always practical or feasible, and it’s easier to help children on a case-by-case basis.  One avenue is to contact local optometrists, who often work with charitable groups like the Essilor Vision Foundation to provide free glasses.  Or if you prefer you can contact us and we can connect you with resources that might be available in your area.

Available Resources
  • Sight For School Funding Request

    PURPOSE
    The NFCV Sight For School Fund is intended to cover the costs of eye exams and glasses for those in need who do not qualify for any of the other available charitable programs (refer to: Nebraska Charitable Vision Care).

    ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
    Available to students enrolled in Nebraska schools (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade):
    A. Who are not covered by Medicaid or any vision insurance plans.
    B. Who are eligible for free or reduced lunch and whose parents/guardians lack the ability to pay for an eye exam or prescription glasses.
    C. Who do not qualify for, or cannot access, any other programs or services that offer free, discounted and/or charitable vision care from local providers.
    D. Whose eligibility is validated by a written recommendation from a school nurse or school administrator.

    PROTOCOLS
    1. School nurse identifies student and verifies eligibility based on above guidelines.
    2. School nurse requests Sight For School voucher from NFCV.
    3. School nurse provides voucher to student’s parent/guardian with instruction on how to make an appointment.
    4. Parent/guardian makes appointment with a participating provider and presents voucher at the appointment.
    5. Participating provider performs vision exam and if glasses are needed, supplies prescription glasses based on Medicaid frames/lenses.
    6. Provider submits reimbursement form to NFCV.
    7. Sight For School Fund reimburses provider at Medicaid-allowable rates.

    AUTHORIZATION REQUEST/APPLICATION
    Requests for funding must be submitted by a school nurse. Please complete this application form. Once received and reviewed, a Nebraska Foundation for Children's Vision (NFCV) representative will follow up. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the NFCV office at 402-474-7716. Thank you!

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