#United States #Ohio #Prevent Blindness #Mike DeWine #OhioSEE

Honoring a Champion for Children's Vision

Governor Mike DeWine has been named the recipient of the prestigious 12th Annual Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children's Vision Award. This recognition, bestowed by the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness (NCCVEH), celebrates DeWine's significant contributions to improving children's eye health through innovative initiatives in Ohio.

The award will be presented during a virtual event scheduled for September 11, 2026, at 9 AM Central Time. This award acknowledges exceptional commitments from individuals or groups striving to enhance children's vision health at state or national levels. Originally launched in 2014, the award honors Bonnie Strickland, who was pivotal in establishing a comprehensive vision system for children across the United States.

Governor DeWine was selected for this honor due to his impactful leadership in creating a sustainable eyecare infrastructure for children. His dedication is further evidenced by the allocation of $25 million aimed at enhancing eye health services. One of his most notable contributions is the Children's Vision Strike Force, created in 2024 to ensure that children who fail initial vision screenings receive the necessary follow-up eye exams and glasses.

The OhioSEE Program, which he developed, aims to improve the system of care for children's vision in Ohio significantly. In its inaugural year, 1,900 children benefited from comprehensive eye examinations, and 1,200 of those received free eyeglasses. The initiative has expanded to include mobile vision vans and temporary clinics capable of reaching schools across 15 counties, ensuring that children’s eye health needs are prioritized.

DeWine emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "When my wife, Fran, and I learned that only 1 in 4 kids receive timely and comprehensive eye care, we recognized the urgent need for solutions." The OhioSEE model aims to bring eye care directly to students, thereby eliminating barriers that prevent children from receiving critical vision care.

Amy Pulles, the president and CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio, commended DeWine for his decisive action in leading the charge for children's vision health in Ohio. She expressed appreciation for his efforts to gather local and national experts to identify proven strategies for addressing care gaps in a systematic manner.

“I applaud Governor DeWine's leadership; it illustrates the great strides that can be made in children's vision health when the state’s executive prioritizes it,” she remarked.

In addition to his innovative policies and funding efforts, DeWine's passion for improving children's health has transformed lives across Ohio. The Rural Health Transformation Fund has facilitated the program's growth, ensuring more children can access the services they require.

Donna Fishman, executive director of the NCCVEH, highlighted the substantial impact that dedicated leaders like DeWine can have on children’s futures through enhanced vision health. Fishman congratulated him on this well-deserved accolade, expressing excitement about the future expansion of the OhioSEE program across the state.

This recognition is a testament to the ongoing commitment to promoting children's health at both local and national levels, showcasing tangible results through strategic initiatives.

The Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children's Vision Award has previously honored various individuals and organizations, including Eye Thrive and the Alcon Children's Vision Center, highlighting a collective effort to improve vision care for children nationally.

For those interested in the upcoming award ceremony or the OhioSEE initiative, further details can be found at the NCCVEH's official site. This event not only celebrates individual achievements but also reiterates the importance of investing in children's health for a brighter future.

In conclusion, Governor DeWine's recognition serves as motivation for continued advocacy and enhancement of eye care services for children, ensuring that every child has the support needed to thrive in their educational journeys.