(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS, TX — The Vision Impact Institute and The Cooper Institute announce the extension of their 2019 collaboration to improve vision and fitness for students. Good vision and fitness are key elements to keeping kids healthy and successful in the classroom and on the field.
Too much screen time, not enough outdoor activity and a lack of awareness of the importance of eye exams play a significant role in an epidemic rise in nearsightedness. In the U.S. more than 12.1 million school-age children have some form of vision problem.
The Rosewood Foundation generously funded this venture in honor of the late matriarch, Caroline Rose Hunt, who was passionate about vision care. Now in its second year, this partnership brings together two organizations devoted to putting research into action to improve children’s health and wellness.
Using youth health initiatives such as FitnessGram by The Cooper Institute, the most widely-used youth fitness assessment, both organizations hope to reach nearly 10 million students and their parents across the country.
“Our collaboration with The Cooper Institute provides a unique platform to create awareness about the impact of poor vision on children, and we’re so pleased to see these efforts continue,” says Kristan Gross, Vision Impact Institute’s global executive director. “When children can’t see well, it impacts so many aspects of their lives, including their learning and chances for future success. Together with The Cooper Institute, we have been able to bring this message to teachers, parents and other advocates who are better equipped to step up on behalf of children, their health and their future.”
The Cooper Institute understands that vision is a key component to academic achievement and physical fitness. Together, these two organizations hope to raise awareness about the priority of good vision and the role it plays in helping students achieve better fitness and academic success.
“Our research proves that fitness is the key to building healthier, more successful students. Vision is an integral part of student health and success,” said Amy Johnson, chief development officer of The Cooper Institute. “We are pleased to share this message with students, parents, teachers and school leaders across the country and are grateful to The Rosewood Foundation for this opportunity.”