Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry - Kids in Distress

Kids in Distress

NSUCO joined with Kids in Distress (KID) to provide optometric services to under-served families in 2010. KID is a nationally accredited, community-supported agency based in South Florida that helps children and families in crisis with emergency shelters and counseling.The optometry service began examining patients in November 2010. The building renovations for optometry were covered by donations secured by KID. The Florida Optometric Association (FOA) Charities funded a grant proposal submitted by the NSU College of Optometry to help offset the start-up expenses. This grant funded the purchase of lensometers and the optometric lanes of equipment in the examination rooms. Over 5,000 children who lack adequate means or access to health care receive vision exams at The Eye Care Institute at KID annually. This under-served population includes many of the KID foster children that have never had a vision examination. Third- and fourth-year NSU optometry students, under the supervision of NSU faculty members and the chief of service examine these patients. Approximately 175 optometry students and 8 optometry residents rotate through this facility each year.