Assemblymember Joe Coto of San Jose is partnering with the California Optometric Association to provide free vision screening for several hundred children at Washington Elementary School in San Jose.

WHO: Public-private partnership involving government, schools and the medical community

WHAT: Vision screening for several hundred 1st and 2nd graders

WHEN: Friday, March 24, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

WHERE: Washington Elementary School, 100 Oak St., San Jose

Thanks to generous commitment of time from Dr. Thomas Lim, Dr. Phillip Ong, and Dr. Thao Tram, two hundred and fifty 1st and 2nd graders in Washington Elementary School will receive free vision screening examinations. Assemblymember Coto recognizes the importance of early detection and treatment of vision problems in children. Often these impairments impact learning and child’s ability to succeed in school. Also early treatment can prevent lasting damage or blindness. Parents have been invited to attend the event. Follow up will be done on the students who are detected to have vision problems. The California Optometric Association (COA) will work with the school and contact parents to address any vision problems. COA and VSP will assist families who do not already have insurance or qualify for Healthy Families. COA’s foundation works with low income and undocumented families, while VSP works with families who make too much to qualify for Healthy Families or the COA foundation.