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SCHOLAR Clinic New Optometry Service Increases Care Access for Students on Medicaid

SCHOLAR Clinic New Optometry Service Increases Care Access for Students on Medicaid

Columbia Public Schools students can now have eye exams and optometry care through Columbia’s SCHOLAR Clinic.

This service line expansion doubles eye care access for Medicaid recipients by SCHOLAR Clinic becoming the second optometry provider in Columbia to accept the insurance program. SCHOLAR Clinic hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 17 to celebrate the new eye care offering.

SCHOLAR Clinic is a partnership between Clarity Healthcare and Columbia Public Schools. The clinic is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC), focused on serving all students in Columbia Public Schools, especially those who have difficulty accessing health care. SCHOLAR Clinic provides services such as vaccinations, including free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program, wellness checks, free sports and activities physicals, in-house lab services, optometry and more.

“Nearly 80% of learning happens through visual processing. Children need clear vision for reading, writing, and even paying attention to teachers. If they can't see properly, it affects their ability to succeed in school, often without the child even realizing it,” SCHOLAR Clinic Optometrist Dr. Sahba Jalal said. “Frequently, children don’t know their vision is impaired because they assume everyone sees the way they do.  A child struggling with poor vision might appear distracted, uninterested, or even misbehave when the real issue is that they simply can't see clearly.”

 

Since launching optometry services this summer, the optometry service line has served almost 100 students with an average patient age of nine years old. SCHOLAR Clinic staff also provided vision screenings as an additional service at back-to-school events, including a walk-in vaccine clinic hosted in the clinic.

 

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Clarity Healthcare to offer optometry services to our scholars. We’re also delighted to have CPS alum Dr. Sahba Jalali as the clinic’s optometrist,” Dr. Brian Yearwood, superintendent of Columbia Public Schools said. “The services provided to our scholars will impact the health and well-being of our scholars and provide them the support they need to continue to achieve at high levels when in the classroom.”

 

Brightli is Clarity Healthcare’s parent company.

“Children’s vision development plays an important role in their capacity to learn and socialize with others,” Brightli North Central Region President Mat Gass said. “With this service expansion, we’re looking at being able to improve a child’s day-to-day life while increasing focus and excellence in schools.”

About Clarity Healthcare:

Clarity Healthcare, a subsidiary of Brightli and Preferred Family Healthcare, provides primary and behavioral health, substance-use treatment, dental care, case management and crisis services in Illinois and Missouri.

 

In Columbia, Clarity Healthcare is located at Stephens Lake Clinic at 1805 East Walnut Street, Clarity Dental is located at 3407 Berrywood Dr. Ste. 200, and the SCHOLAR Clinic is located at 1010 Ranegline Dr. Clarity Healthcare can be reached at (573) 603-1460. Learn more at www.clarity-healthcare.org.

About Columbia Public Schools:

Columbia Public Schools is the fourth largest district in Missouri with an enrollment of more than 18,800 students. It includes 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools and the Columbia Area Career Center, as well as an early childhood program.

 

The school district is accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, citing such educational advantages as:

·       Comprehensive curriculum and services at all grade levels, including preschool and adult

·       Exceptional programs for at-risk students and students with special needs

·       Extensive depth and breadth in middle school and high school course offerings

·       Award-winning career education programs designed for all students

·       Successful community partnerships and volunteer programs

·       Significant emphasis on staff development and school improvement efforts

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