Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Save Our Sight Program?
The goal of the Save Our Sight Program is to ensure that children in Ohio have good vision and healthy eyes. The Save Our Sight Program accomplishes this through the early identification of children with vision problems and the promotion of good eye health and safety.
When did the Save Our Sight Program begin?
The Save Our Sight Program began on April 1, 1999.
How is the Save Our Sight Program funded?
Funds for the Save Our Sight Program are generated by donations. Motor vehicle owners in Ohio are asked to donate $1 to the Save Our Sight Fund when they register their vehicle and/or renew their license plates.
What can the Save Our Sight funds be used for?
Programs, funded yearly, will:
- Provide training, certification and equipment for volunteer vision screeners
- Provide protective eyewear for youth sports and school activities
- Develop and provide eye health and safety programs for our schools
- Provide information and case management services to children diagnosed with amblyopia (lazy eye) and their families through the Ohio Amblyope Registry
Where does my money go?
Save Our Sight dollars are first collected by the motor vehicle deputy registrars, and then they are transferred to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). ODH then awards the funds on a yearly basis to 501 (c) organizations which provide vision services to all counties in Ohio.
What is a 501 (c) organization?
A 501 (c) organization is exempt from federal income taxation; a “non-profit” organization.
How much of the money collected is spent on the program?
Eighty-seven cents of every dollar collected is spent on funded programs. Only 13 percent of the Save Our Sight money is used for administering the program.
Does the Save Our Sight Program address the needs of the visually impaired?
No. The Save Our Sight effort concentrates on the prevention and early detection of eye problems in children. For children who are visually impaired, there are services available through other agencies such as the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, Rehabilitation Services Commission (1-800-282-4536, ext. 1255 — in Ohio only).
My child needs an eye exam and glasses, and I can’t afford them. Can the Save Our Sight Program help?
The Save Our Sight Program does not provide eye examinations or eyeglasses for the correction of visual acuity problems. There are other non-government and government programs which address this need. Good places to begin to look for this type of help include your local health department, Department of Job and Family Services, school nurse, or Lion’s Club.