Murray City School District nurses are partnering with Friends for Sight to host the annual SightFest event on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at the District Office. The initiative aims to ensure clear vision does not act as a barrier to academic success for students.
SightFest offers free comprehensive eye exams and new prescription glasses to qualifying students who lack insurance coverage or the resources to pay for vision care. To participate, completed permission forms must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four children in the United States has an undetected vision disorder, a figure that rises to 50% in underserved communities. Additionally, up to 70% of children who require prescription glasses are not currently wearing them.
Because approximately 80% of classroom learning is visual, uncorrected vision issues can lead to reduced attention spans, reading delays, and lower academic performance. Regular screenings help identify small vision issues before they impact a student's progress or confidence.
Parents whose students failed a recent school vision screening will receive an official vision referral and SightFest application information via ParentSquare. Families can also contact a school nurse or building administrator if they know of a student struggling to see in class who may need assistance.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at the Murray City School District Office. The deadline for application forms is Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.