For thousands of children across Virginia, a simple yet critical need stands in the way of academic success: the ability to see clearly. Conexus, a North-Chesterfield based nonprofit, is tackling this issue head-on. With a mission to eliminate poor vision as a barrier to a child’s success in and out of the classroom, Conexus is working to ensure that every child has the visual tools needed to succeed.
“For so many kids across the region, they’re sitting in a classroom and they’re struggling, not because they’re not smart or they can’t get it. They simply can’t see” says Jeff Baldwin, Communication Director at Conexus.
To address this problem, Conexus created two key programs: VisioCheck, a high-tech vision screening, and the Mobile Vision Clinic, which delivers comprehensive eye exams and glasses directly to schools.
VisioCheck: Fast, Inclusive Screenings
Conexus’s VisioCheck screenings are quick and accessible to all students. Children simply look into a handheld digital device, and within seconds vision techs receive a digital screening of that child’s eye. “No letters, charts, or verbal responses needed, says Baldwin. “This allows for more inclusive and accurate screenings, particularly for children who are non-verbal, have special needs, or don’t speak English.”
Mobile Vision Clinic: Bringing Eye Care to School
If the VisioCheck screening detects a potential eye issue, the student receives a “REFER” notice, indicating they should be seen for a complete eye exam.
However, for many families, accessing an eye doctor presents serious logistical challenges. That’s where Conexus’ Mobile Vision Clinic comes in. These clinics are set up directly in schools, primarily serving Title One school divisions, areas of poverty, or rural areas that have limited access to care.
In the Mobile Vision Clinic, students receive full eye exams from licensed optometrists. If needed, opticians will provide guidance in choosing frames from a wide variety of styles and colors. Within two to three weeks, Conexus opticians return to the school to distribute the glasses to the students, ensuring that the glasses fit properly and that the child is able to see clearly through their brand new frames.
For many students, this is their first pair of glasses. The moment they put them on is often life-changing. “It’s amazing on dispensing days, to be there with these kids who, for the first time in their life, are seeing their friends’ faces or they’re seeing across the hallway, It’s a pretty remarkable thing,” says Baldwin.
The program also considers practical concerns: if a child breaks or loses their glasses, Conexus has a school-facilitated replacement system in place, though not unlimited.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The organization sees a variety of vision problems, from astigmatism and myopia to more serious conditions that require referral for a more in-depth dilated eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
In the past year alone, Conexus screened more than 108,000 students across 52 school divisions in Virginia. Of those, over 36,000 children were referred for further care, a referral rate of 33%—significantly higher than the national average of 25%.
These numbers demonstrate the growing demand and trust schools are placing in Conexus.
A Strong Partnership with Schools
Collaboration with schools is central to Conexus’ approach. By Virginia law, schools must conduct vision screenings for students in grades K, 2 or 3, 7, 10, and any student who is new to that school division. While school nurses traditionally conduct these, Conexus steps in to provide faster, more comprehensive digital screenings, often completing in a day what could otherwise take months.
Schools interested in partnering with Conexus start by signing up for the VisioCheck program. From there, they may also qualify for Mobile Vision Clinic services.
Looking Ahead
Conexus is continuing to grow, with hopes to expand its mobile clinic services to additional underserved regions across Virginia. The long-term vision is clear: to ensure every child in the Commonwealth who needs eye care receives it—no matter their location or financial situation.
To learn more or support Conexus through donations, visit conexusvision.org.
