United Way of Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties

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CBA's Youth Vision Screening Program Transforms Young Lives: A Success Story

{Article submitted by CBA for our Community Day newspaper)

The Community Blindness Association (CBA) is thrilled to announce the success of its Youth Vision Screening Program, which recently made a significant impact on the life of a 4-year-old girl named Nadia. Through this initiative, Nadia received a free vision screening at her HeadStart class, an essential step in identifying vision deficiencies that can hinder academic success.

Before participating in the screening, Nadia did not wear glasses, and her vision issues had gone unnoticed. CBA's mission is to detect such issues early, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. Understanding the diverse challenges children may face during screenings, such as being non-verbal, non-English speaking, shy, or having special needs, CBA employs advanced equipment to efficiently and accurately identify vision problems.

Priscilla Shoup, CBA's Blindness Prevention Coordinator, played a pivotal role in supporting Nadia throughout the process. The screening revealed that Nadia might have an eye condition, prompting CBA to send a referral letter to her parents for a comprehensive examination by an eye care professional. Following this examination, Nadia was prescribed glasses.

Furthermore, Nadia benefited from CBA's Tim Grace Sight for Success program, which provides financial assistance to disadvantaged children in need of eye care and glasses. With her new prescription glasses, Nadia can now see clearly, significantly enhancing her educational experience and boosting her confidence.

CBA is proud to have played a role in improving Nadia's vision and academic prospects. This success story highlights the vital importance of early vision screenings and the positive impact they can have on children's lives.

For more information about CBA's Youth Vision Screening Program or the Tim Grace Sight for Success initiative, visit www.cbavision.org.

About CBA
The Community Blindness Association (CBA) is dedicated to preventing blindness and ensuring that every child has access to the vision care they need. Through innovative programs and community outreach, CBA strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families.