What We Do

KidSight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free vision screenings for children. The program was founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1995 with a handful of volunteers screening a few hundred children a year. Today, KidSight’s program has grown to screen the vision of more than 45,000 kids throughout Missouri each year with the help of trained staff and volunteers operating across the state. 

Why Screen Children’s Vision?

Because as much as 80 percent of learning in early childhood occurs through the eyes, healthy vision is important for children’s early development. KidSight’s screenings detect vision problems early and the program helps parents get their children treatment before it’s too late to avoid the permanent vision loss that can result from some eye conditions. By ensuring kids have healthy vision, we can prevent what could be a lifetime of vision loss and help children be ready to learn in school.

How do Screenings Work?

Using a photoscreening device, trained technicians take a picture of a child’s eyes and instantly analyze the results to determine if the child is at risk for a vision problem. At-risk children are referred to visit an eye doctor, and KidSight staff provide individual, comprehensive, follow-up to connect parents with resources necessary to get their children the care they need.