MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A new mobile vision van is set to launch this fall in Madison, aiming to bridge the gap in eye care for children who struggle to access necessary treatment and glasses.
Heidi Lucarelli, a longtime school nurse and board member of Combat Blindness International, has seen the need firsthand.
“Our kids get screened as preschoolers, in kindergarten, then 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade—but in between, some kids get missed,” Lucarelli said. She recalled one eighth grader who couldn’t read even the largest letter on the chart. “I was flabbergasted. I really wanted to cry.”
Despite failing multiple vision screenings in previous grades, the girl had not received the care she needed.
The Bright Eyes program, led by Madison-based nonprofit Combat Blindness International, will use a fully equipped van to follow up with students who fail in-school screenings. Lucarelli said the van could be busy 96 days a year just in Madison schools, based on current need.
Reena Chandra, Executive Director of Combat Blindness International, stressed the importance of this initiative.
“We kind of see this whole program as a safety net,” she said. “Parents may be working two jobs, or maybe there’s a language barrier. They might not understand that these services are here to help them—and they’re free. We want to be that safety net, eliminate those barriers, and make sure children get the care they need.”
According to the nonprofit, two-thirds of students who fail vision screenings never receive follow-up care. Of those who do, 80% need glasses.
Beyond academics, Lucarelli noted that poor vision affects much more. “It’s not just academics. It’s sports, extracurriculars, just feeling like you belong.”
The van will screen children free of charge in partnership with MMSD, with plans to visit multiple schools each week during the school year.
“We’re working with the school nurses to create a schedule,” Chandra said. “Every day we’ll be at a different school—or if needed, we’ll spend multiple days at schools depending on how many children there are.”
Ahead of its fall launch, the Bright Eyes team is introducing the van at various summer events to help families learn more about the program and what to expect once the school year begins.
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