Melissa Wharton
Northeast News

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences is partnering with OneSight to provide free eye exams and glasses to about 650 children in Kansas City. The children have been pre-screened by KCUMB students through their Score 1 for Health program, which provides free medical exams to children in dozens of schools across the Kansas City area.

The exams will occur December 4-8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Optometrists from OneSight will perform the exams, and the children will then get to choose what style of frames they want for their glasses. On the first day of exams alone the team was able to serve about 150 students ranging from elementary to high school. Sarina Duong, 6, said she needs glasses because she has trouble seeing the board at school.

“I feel a little nervous, because I’m scared they’re gonna give me a shot in my eye,” Duong said. After being reassured there were no shots to be had, she reevaluated things. “I changed my mind. I’m happy. I’m excited cause I’m gonna get my new glasses.”

The lenses will be made on the spot, taking about an hour, and KCUMB students will take part in the process. Kansas City-based Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company (FSL) and Local Investment Commission (LINC) sponsor the OneSight clinic.

Jasmine Lopez, 6, gave the day two thumbs up.

“My mom bought some glasses, but they broke,” Lopez said. “I had no idea I was gonna get glasses today so that I could see.”