After funding ended for a partnership providing free eye care to Trenton students, the school district shifted to delivering its own vision screenings. While the loss of funding initially posed a challenge, several organizations have stepped up to help ensure students continue receiving vision care.
During the 2023-2024 school year, Trenton Public Schools partnered with Vision to Learn, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free eye screenings and glasses to students in low-income communities. The initiative was a milestone in the organization’s partnership with the Henry J. Austin Health Center.
Micah Bradley-Freeman, supervisor of nurses and 504 coordinator of Trenton Public Schools, said the partnership was a significant moment.
“It was an excitable moment,” she said. “It’s a good time when you can get something you picked.”
However, Bradley-Freeman said the partnership did not continue into the 2024-2025 school year due to a lack of funding. To ensure students still received screenings, she introduced the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener, a device that screens for acuity, distance, and muscle balance in seconds by automatically capturing an image from a three-foot distance.
Bradley-Freeman secured funding for the new technology through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund II, which allowed the district to purchase four Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screeners at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
Before obtaining these devices, school nurses relied on traditional LEA or HOTV vision screening charts, which took five to ten minutes per student—sometimes longer for younger children, students with special needs, or those who speak different languages. Now, Bradley-Freeman said, nurses can check out a Vision Screener for up to two weeks for state-mandated school eye screenings.
Sandra Williams, supervisor of Project BEST, an initiative within New Jersey’s Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, emphasized the importance of early detection.
“(They) provide treatment options to stave off any future incidents of blindness, education loss, any struggles in the classroom, or any behavioral issue,” Williams said.
At the start of each school year, Bradley-Freeman said, school nurses train teachers to recognize early signs of vision problems. Teachers look for squinting, wandering eyes, or mucus around the eye area and refer students for screening if needed.
“It’s called school health. We are merging school with healthy practices, healthy habits, and prevention,” she said.
If a student fails a vision test, Bradley-Freeman said, referrals are sent to parents, and classroom accommodations can be made.
Beyond the resources offered by Trenton Public Schools, a network of local organizations provides free or affordable eye care, expanding access to vision services.
Last June, Vision to Learn partnered with the Trenton Free Public Library to offer eye screenings for children during the summer, extending services beyond the school year.
Eboni Love, youth services librarian at the Trenton Free Public Library, said expanding screenings beyond the school calendar is critical.
“One school year isn’t one calendar year,” Love said. “A school year isn’t enough time to reach as many people as they would like to.”
Similarly, the Hickory Corner Branch Library of Mercer County partners with CBVI to offer free monthly eye screenings for all ages, providing vision care for uninsured and underinsured individuals.
Mary Astarita, senior reference librarian and head of adult services at the Hickory Corner Branch Library, said the familiarity of local libraries helps encourage residents to seek care.
“We’re hearing that people are very grateful that they can come to their neighborhood branch where they know us,” Astarita said. “They know the staff, and they trust us.”
Organizations such as the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) in Trenton also partner with CBVI to provide free eye screenings, with a focus on serving Spanish-speaking residents.
Angelica Stern, director of development and communications at LALDEF, said language accessibility is a key component of their outreach.
“The overwhelming majority of our staff are bilingual,” Stern said. “So not only do we have the means of communicating with people, but we also have the ability to reach people where they are.”
Accessible vision care remains a priority for Trenton students and residents, supported by schools, nonprofits, and libraries working together to address community needs.
Bradley-Freeman said ensuring students have access to care is essential.
“In an urban district, there are needs. If we can address some of those needs, then that’s what we’re here for,” she said. “I think our students deserve the best. I’m happy that I’m able to provide opportunities for them to get quality health care. I think that everyone deserves quality health care.”
This article was produced as part of MCCC’s Community Reporting “J Lab” certificate program made possible by grant funding from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and The New School: Journalism + Design.
