A Clear Vision for Healthier Kids

KidCheck is a program provided by Sight Savers America, a hard-working non-profit organization based near Birmingham, Alabama. KidCheck’s mission is to improve the lives of Alabama’s youth through comprehensive health screenings. Yes, it’s as massive an undertaking as it sounds.The program screens 30,000+ children each year. More than 30 dental schools, medical schools and nursing schools partner with KidCheck to conduct health assessment events at public schools across the state of Alabama. On any given day during the school year, it’s likely that hundreds of children are receiving a comprehensive health exam – some of whom for the first time ever.The Logo for KidCheck PlusKidCheck does more than just screening. When a student is discovered to have a vision problem, for example, the KidCheck team refers the student to a nearby optometrist or ophthalmologist for follow-up care. The KidCheck assessment carries no cost to the student, family, school or community. In most cases, the follow-up visits with health care providers are free of charge, too.

So, where do we fit in?

We have been working with KidCheck since it was created in 2008 by then Gov. Bob Riley’s Alabama Rural Action Commission (ARAC). Between 2008 and 2010, we created and supported a “Facebook” of sorts for ARAC, helping volunteers, businesses, communities and schools share documents, schedule meetings and coordinate scarce resources.

The fact that you are able to read these words says a lot about your health and your upbringing. For all the advancements in technology, there are still more children than you can imagine who live without the benefit of basic health care. They have difficulty in school because of untreated vision, dental, hearing and nutritional issues. Their poor health burdens their teachers, parents and communities.

KidCheck to the rescue.

In 2010, we helped Sight Savers America secure a grant from the Verizon Foundation to fund a major expansion. The result is KidCheck Plus, a real revolution in community health and health information technology. With KidCheck Plus, all information is captured electronically, stored securely and tracked immediately. Students receive a more thorough screening. Dental, medical and nursing students gain experience with advanced technology. KidCheck is able to refer children in need faster and more efficiently than was ever possible with a paper-based system.

A boy getting his ears checked.
A kid check event

We built the KidCheck Plus system from the ground up after meeting with dozens of clinical experts and school officials. The entire system runs using inexpensive, interchangeable hardware. If an internet connection is not available, the system can work in a self-contained, off-line mode. All of the information captured during a KidCheck Plus screening event is available to the appropriate school staff and to the Sight Savers America case management team immediately following the event.

KidCheck Plus is our go-to example of how technology can make a positive impact in the lives of children. The program has earned recognition for its innovation, bridge-building and lasting impact. In 2011, The Birmingham Business Council singled out KidCheck in its State Legislative Agenda as a measurable program that should be supported as a means to contain long-term healthcare costs.