Clear Eyes on Campus: A Plan for Improving Access to Eye Care for College Students
Abstract
Introduction: During the summer of 2024, Tanya Pai Dhungat was appointed as the Youngstown State University (YSU) Zoldan-
Yampolsky Fellow. This position was designed to allow a student to work with leadership at a local nonprofit organization to gain
experience. Pai Dhungat organized the Clear Eyes on Campus event to expand vision resources for college students.
Program Development: The partnership of the 2 entities made the event successful by selecting an appropriate date, establishing an
on-campus location, marketing and advertising the event, and coordinating the personnel required to provide complete eye exams. A
mobile vision van was reserved, an optometrist was hired, and ophthalmic technicians were recruited. Exams included visual acuity
testing; pupil, visual field, and extraocular muscle assessment; binocular vision assessment; intraocular pressure testing; refraction; and
ocular health assessment. Following the completed exam, students received a new pair of eyeglasses for free. During the exams,
students with more complex ocular health problems requiring specialty testing were assisted with coordination of follow-up care.
Program Results: On September 17, 2024, the Clear Eyes on Campus event was able to provide 49 students with a free eye exam and
35 students with a free pair of eyeglasses. Six students required follow-up specialty care with a community eye doctor. The cost of the
Clear Eyes on Campus event was estimated to be approximately $8700.
Program Evaluation: Through the partnership with Sight for All United, The YSU Zoldan-Yampolsky Fellow initiated the Clear Eyes on
Campus event because she believed eye health and vision are critical for academic success. Pai Dhungat did this by reducing barriers
to eye care such as cost, insurance, and transportation. This event made advancements in addressing the vision care needs of college
students and could be used as a model for campuses across the country to improve access to medical care.
Public Health Implication: There is a lack of data surrounding college students and access to eye care. An event was established to
bring a vision van to campus providing eye exams at no cost proving that reducing barriers to eye care is critical for college students'
eye health and academic success.
Keywords: Optometry, Ophthalmology, University, Vision, Public health
How to Cite:
Katsadouros, K. T., Pai Dhungat, T., Narain, S., Sakacs, L. & Erzurum, S. A., (2026) “Clear Eyes on Campus: A Plan for Improving Access to Eye Care for College Students”, Ohio Journal of Public Health 8(1), 1-5. doi: https://doi.org/10.18061/ojph.6407
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