Much of vision loss can be prevented and treated through routine comprehensive eye exams and a simple pair of prescription glasses.
For someone with uncorrected vision, daily tasks like reading signs while driving, completing work assignments, or navigating a store can become daunting or even dangerous. A clearer view of the world restores the ability to work efficiently, travel safely, and care for oneself and family – giving the chance to thrive, not just survive.
But due to a lack of resources, many medically underserved adults in our community have limited-to-no access to any type of vision care services.
In a 2022 article published in South Dakota Medicine, based on an eye care needs assessment conducted by LifeSight at Community Health Center of the Black Hills (now Complete Health), critical gaps in vision care were reported. 51% of all respondents rated their vision as “poor” or “very poor,” and 56% of those with previous or existing eye conditions reported daily limitations due to eyesight.
To close these gaps, LifeSight launched VisionCARE to provide no-cost eye exams and glasses to low-income adults by way of collaboration with Complete Health. 220 individuals have received essential VisionCARE services – providing a simple but powerful path to helping people see better to live better.
Services for eye exams and glasses are delivered through a trusted network of VisionCARE provider optometrists.
LifeSight underwrites the costs for VisionCARE eye exams and glasses at negotiated reimbursement rates, with the services provided to date valued at over $55,000.
Recently, a critical void was created in our community due to the end of a charitable program run through a national association. Working with school nurses, the program provided certificates for free eye exams and glasses to children in need that could be redeemed through several local optometrists.
Driven by LifeSight’s mission priority to ensure every child has access to eye care to see clearly, learn confidently, and thrive, we stepped in to address the unmet need and fill the void.
In 2026, VisionCARE outreach expanded to provide eye care services for children most in need. Working together with local school nurses following KidsFIRST Free Vision Screenings conducted in their schools, VisionCARE Vouchers for no-cost eye exams and glasses became available to underserved children of low-income families who are ineligible for other state or federal program coverage.
