Key Takeaways
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been named the 2026 recipient of the Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children’s Vision Award for his leadership in developing the OhioSEE program
- During its initial year, OhioSEE provided comprehensive eye examinations to 1,900 children and free eyeglasses to 1,200 children, with services currently reaching schools in 15 counties
The National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness (NCCVEH) has named Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine the recipient of the 12th annual Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children’s Vision Award, recognizing his leadership in establishing the Ohio Student Eye Exam (OhioSEE) program and expanding access to pediatric eye care across the state.
The award will be formally presented during a virtual NCCVEH event on September 11, 2026, at 10 am ET.
Established in 2014, the Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children’s Vision Award recognizes individuals or groups that have made significant contributions to public health approaches for children’s vision and eye health at the state or national level. The award honors Bonnie Strickland and her work to establish a comprehensive system for children’s vision in the United States.
Gov. DeWine was selected in recognition of his efforts to develop a sustainable system of eye care for children in Ohio, including support for a $25 million allocation to expand the initiative.
In 2024, Gov. DeWine led the formation of the Children’s Vision Strike Force, an initiative designed to address gaps in follow-up care for students who did not pass certified vision screenings. The effort focused on connecting those children with comprehensive eye examinations and eyeglasses when needed.
Gov. DeWine subsequently developed OhioSEE to strengthen the continuum of vision and eye health care for children throughout the state. During the program’s initial year, 1,900 children received comprehensive eye examinations and 1,200 received free eyeglasses, according to Prevent Blindness. OhioSEE currently supports mobile vision vans and temporary clinics that bring comprehensive eye examinations directly to schools in 15 counties.
Gov. DeWine has allocated $25 million through the Rural Health Transformation Fund to expand OhioSEE statewide and add pathways for delivering eye examinations to children in need.
"When my wife, Fran, and I learned that only 1 in 4 kids actually receive comprehensive eye exams and follow up vision care that they need, we knew we needed to help find a solution quickly," Gov. DeWine said. "OhioSEE brings vision care directly to the child in their school, so no child is missed."
