VISION CLINICS
Friends for Sight has partnered with the Salt Lake City School District and the Salt Lake Education Foundation to create school-based vision clinics located at Parkview Elementary School, Glendale - Mountain View Community Learning Center, and Liberty Community Learning Center campuses. The clinics provide comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses to students of the Salt Lake City School District and community members within the district boundaries. The clinics are staffed by Friends for Sight, volunteer optometrists from the Utah Optometric Association, and Rocky Mountain University College of Optometry faculty and their students.
LOCATIONS & HOURS
Parkview Elementary School Vision Clinic
970 Emery Street W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Thursday & Friday:
9:00am - 3:00pm
*Hours subject to change
Glendale/Mt. View Community Learning Center Vision Clinic
1388 Navajo Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
First Tuesday of the month:
9:00am - 1:00pm
*Hours subject to change
Liberty Community Learning Center Vision Clinic
1085 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Last Tuesday of the month:
9:00am- 1:00pm
*Hours subject to change
Apply Online
SERVICES OFFERED
COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS by a doctor of optometry are an important part of caring for your eyes, vision, and overall all health. A comprehensive eye exam is a variety of vision tests and procedures to examine the health and vision correction of your eyes. Vision testing ranges from simple ones, like having you read an eye chart, to complex tests, such as using a high-powered lens to visualize the tiny structures inside of your eyes.
PRESCRIPTION GLASSES can help with a variety of vision issues. That includes difficulty seeing objects up close, far away or at varying distances. They can also help with distortions in your vision, age-related vision difficulties and eye alignment issues.
Program Eligibility
All low-income Salt Lake City School District students are eligible to receive vision care services. These services are provided at no cost to those who qualify.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
If your student has insurance, they will be scheduled at the Parkview location and an attempt will be made to bill that insurance. Our partners at Rocky Mountain University Eye Institute accept most insurances, including Medicaid. A Rocky Mountain University Eye Institute team member will contact the policy holder directly for copays or any insurance related information.
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
To apply, fill out the online application or submit paper forms to our HIPAA compliant FFS box folder. .
After an application has been submitted and approved a booking link will be sent to the applicant to schedule their eye exam appointment.
Please note: Students can be seen by an eye doctor without a parent or legal guardian present if the ‘Application and Consent Form’ is submitted prior to the appointment and the student has a way to get to the appointment. If you would like to be present at your student’s appointment, you are encouraged and welcome to join.
Please email
APPLICATION AND CONSENT FORMS
You can drop digital copies of these forms in our HIPAA compliant FFS Folder.
GLASSES
Friends for Sight provides free prescription glasses to those who qualify. If you have a current prescription and don't need an eye exam, please fill out this application. To be eligible for our program, your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
After submitting the form, we kindly ask for your patience as we review the numerous applications received at our office. Rest assured, someone from our team will reach out to you within 5 business days.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DAYS WILL CLINICS BE OPEN?
2024 Clinic Dates
- November 1,7,8,14,15,21,22
- December TBA
*This List will be updated as more clinic days are scheduled
HOW LONG IS THE CONSENT FORM VALID FOR?
Signed consent forms are valid for the 2024-2025 academic year including the summer of 2025. Consent forms expire the first day of the following academic school year. Forms remain on file unless revoked. Students will need a current consent form each academic year.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR VISION CLINIC SERVICES?
Salt Lake School District students must be on or eligible for free or reduced lunch, OR household income must be at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, OR students have not been able to access care elsewhere. Adults whose household income is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, living within the school district boundaries will be wait-listed and contacted for slots not filled by students.
MY GLASSES ARE BROKEN OR LOST, CAN YOU STILL HELP ME?
Yes, we provide glasses for low-income students and adults statewide at no cost. For ‘glasses only’ assistance fill out our online form, and upload your current prescription when prompted.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VISION SCREENING AND A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM?
A vision screening is a basic visual test that can detect eye or vision issues, but it won't diagnose an exact problem. It can be done by a school nurse or volunteer screener and at your family doctor. It can be done quickly and by people without specialized equipment. If any problems are found, you will be referred to an optometrist for a complete eye examination. A comprehensive eye exam is performed by an eye doctor within a healthcare clinic or facility. These professionals have specialized training in the detection and treatment of eye problems. They will diagnose your eye or vision problem and provide the necessary treatment or refer to specialty care.
INFORMATION FOR SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS COORDINATING PATIENT CARE
Supporting Families:
School staff members working with parents/guardians are encouraged to assist in completing application and consent forms if needed. After the forms are submitted, a Friends for Sight team member will send an appointment booking link to parents and counselors.
Appointment Booking:
When booking an appointment, only the student's name should be entered in the name fields—do not enter the school staff or parent/guardian name. There is a question asking "who is filling out this form" where the parent/guardian or counselor should enter their name.
Confirmation and Communication:
A confirmation email with the appointment details (date and time) will be sent to the email provided in the booking form. Additionally, a Friends for Sight team member will follow up via text, call, or email with instructions for accessing the clinic location.
Important Notes:
- The appointment booking link is not meant for wide distribution and will change in October, as we will transition to a new appointment booking app to enhance patient privacy.
In case of eye emergencies like sudden vision loss, severe pain, trauma, or unusual symptoms like flashes and floaters, seek urgent medical attention at the nearest emergency department. Prompt evaluation is crucial to prevent vision loss and complications. Don't delay—act swiftly to safeguard your vision health.