Our story
It all started in the Yakima Valley
In 2010–2013, Washington’s Yakima Valley communities raised concerns about children’s access to vision screenings, eye exams, eyeglasses, and treatment for vision issues impacting learning.
These concerns were especially expressed in Native American communities. Publications from the AmeriCorps Child Vision Project and a University of Washington master’s thesis by Barbara Obena, MPH highlighted how undetected near vision dysfunctions, including convergence insufficiency, could impede learning and achievement. Helen Spencer and Katie Johnson brought these concerns to the University of Washington Bothell, where Computing and Software Systems and Interactive Media Design students began a continuing research and development effort.
Our founders
William Erdly PhD
Concerned citizens approached Professor William Erdly, Chair of Computing and Systems Science at the University of Washington Bothell, to explore technologies that could assist school screenings and treatment of near vision disorders.
Alan Pearson OD PhD FCOVD
Dr. Pearson joined Professor Erdly and students as a volunteer advisor to the Children’s Vision Research Group. With more than 25 years of experience evaluating and treating near vision dysfunction, he is also a software developer who created the core of EYE Toolbox. He serves as Near Vision Institute’s Executive Director.
Our journey
2014 · Educating Young Eyes Symposium
Teachers, school nurses, attorneys, Washington State Supreme Court judges, politicians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and concerned citizens gathered at the university to understand children’s vision issues and explore the next steps.
2016 · Collaboration and systemic change
A second symposium deepened the collaboration at UW Bothell. Children’s Vision Learning & Technology focused on service, research, development, and learning: understanding needs, developing tools, delivering care, measuring results, and teaching others.
2016 · Senate Bill 6245
Connections made through the symposium and related efforts contributed to Washington’s passage of Senate Bill 6245, requiring public schools to screen for near vision issues as well as distance vision.
2019 · Mobile clinic and technology grants
The Seva Foundation awarded the EYE Group two grants: one to build a mobile vision clinic serving Washington State Native American communities, and another to further develop EYE Toolbox.
2020 · A time to reflect
COVID slowed the group’s work but provided time to reflect on its mission. Online school and working from home brought renewed attention to the demands placed on near vision.
2021 · Near Vision Institute incorporated
In May 2021, Near Vision Institute was formed as a nonprofit corporation to create the infrastructure for clinical services through EYE See Clinic and mobile trips across Washington. It also operates EYE Toolbox and EYE Education. EYE Research Group recognizes the research and development collaboration with UW Bothell.
2022 · Mobile vision services begin
Two mobile clinic systems were completed: a tent system for school gymnasiums and a trailer system for outdoor use. Trips began in May, with more than 115 eye exams completed. More than 75% of the students examined needed eyeglasses.
Why this work matters
According to the Washington Board of Health, twenty-five percent of school children have vision issues affecting learning. These include refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, ocular health conditions, and near vision dysfunctions such as convergence insufficiency. School screenings provide an important backup when problems are missed earlier in childhood.
Near vision dysfunction can emerge as children encounter the sustained visual demands of academics. Effective screenings should connect students to established, evidence-based interventions. Research supported by EYE Research Group explores accessible, economical treatment protocols, while EYE See Clinic delivers care in communities and measures results to continually improve screening, evaluation, and intervention.
Four pillars. One shared mission.
EYE See Clinic
Providing evaluation and treatment services in Washington State, serving as a model for community-based care.
EYE Toolbox
A cloud-based software toolkit addressing near vision dysfunction and other vision issues.
EYE Education
Conferences, workshops, and online learning about near vision and best-practice interventions.
EYE Research Group
Collaboration with students, faculty, and researchers at the University of Washington Bothell.
Together, these pillars support an ongoing cycle of learning, research, and service toward more effective solutions. Near Vision Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Draft adapted from the EYE See Clinic story by Alan P Pearson OD PhD FCOVD, originally dated August 15, 2021, with milestones through 2022.
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