School District Partners With Complete Vision Care to Enhance Student Eye Health

The Tempe School District Governing Board convened on August 7, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support services, particularly in vision care. The meeting opened with a proposal from Miss Grimaldi regarding a new partnership with Complete Vision Care, which aims to provide on-site vision testing and resources for students in need.

Miss Grimaldi highlighted the success of previous partnerships, including a collaboration with the Lions Club and a $5,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which facilitated eye exams and glasses for 130 students last year. However, she noted that these services were limited to specific locations and seasonal availability.

The proposed partnership with Complete Vision Care would allow for more accessible services, as the organization plans to visit individual schools to conduct vision tests with parental consent. This initiative is designed to reach students who may not have access to insurance or other resources. The board discussed starting this program at three schools—Curry, Scales, and Thoo—identified as having the highest need based on previous data.

Miss Grimaldi emphasized the importance of this initiative not only for students and their families but also for teachers and staff who often contribute financially to support students' vision needs. The board expressed support for the proposal, recognizing its potential to improve educational outcomes by addressing a critical health issue.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to evaluate the effectiveness of the new partnership after its implementation in the selected schools, with the aim of expanding the program based on the data collected. This initiative reflects the district's ongoing efforts to enhance student well-being and academic success through targeted support services.