Vision can change rapidly for young people, and corrective lenses can be expensive.
To help ensure deserving local students have crystal-clear vision, a new partnership between Jackson County Public Schools and Southwestern Community College’s Opticianry program is making corrective eyewear more accessible for those who qualify.
“Vision for the Future” is a cooperative arrangement that allows students to receive a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at no cost. Qualifying students are determined by local school officials based on factors including a family’s insurance and income.
One of the first clients to receive corrective glasses was Bella Clonch, a freshman at Smoky Mountain High School. She selected a stylish set of black horn-rimmed frames and was delighted with the SCC Opticianry Clinic’s service as well as the fit and how much her vision improved.
“It’s been great honestly; they’re all very welcoming,” Clonch said. “There’s a lot of selection, and it’s just really nice to have something available. “
Clonch said she’s worn glasses for most of her life and recently noticed her vision has been changing.
“At school, I had struggled reading,” Clonch said. “It’s a little bit of struggle to get them, so the school helped me and they let me come over and pick them out. I think they’re great. They fit really well, and they’re nice.”
Accompanying Clonch to pick up the frames was Janice Hill, Lead Nurse for Jackson County Public Schools and the School Nurse for Smoky Mountain High School and Smokey Mountain Elementary.
“I think this is a fabulous service for our students here because often with students, glasses don’t last,” Hill said. “Things happen, and glasses are not cheap. That can be a real struggle for parents to replace those glasses. I think this is a much-needed service for our community.”
Opticianry is a relatively new offering at Southwestern Community College. This is the third year it has been open, and it’s the state’s only such career-preparation program west of Durham.
SCC’s Opticianry program prepares students to adapt and fit prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.
“Our field is overflowing with opportunities,” said Becca Morton, SCC’s Opticianry Program Coordinator. “It’s truly fulfilling to help individuals like Bella see more clearly. The ‘Vision for the Future’ partnership not only helps improve the vision for local K-12 students, but it’s also tremendously helpful for our students to get real-world experience in fitting clients with eyewear.”
For more information about Southwestern’s Opticianry career field, visit SouthwesternCC.edu, call 828.339.4000 or drop by your nearest SCC location.
