Aramco supports public health, Houston Health Foundation to boost See to Succeed program
Aramco joined with dignitaries from the City of Houston, Houston Health Foundation, and Aldine ISD to celebrate the accomplishments of the ‘See to Succeed’ program. (left to right) Bandar AlYousef, director, Technical Services, Aramco Americas; Robin Mansur, president & CEO, Houston Health Foundation; Chris Newport, chief of staff, City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s office; LaTonya M. Goffney, superintendent, Aldine ISD; Billy Burge, chairman of the board, Houston Health Foundation; Nabeel AlAfaleg, president & CEO, Aramco Americas; Stephen Williams, director, Houston Health Department; and Mohammed AlAskar, R&D director, Aramco Americas.
Kicking off National Public Health Week, April 1-7, Aramco Americas continued its partnership with the Houston Health Foundation to support the See to Succeed program—a special project started in 2011 by the Houston Health Department.
Recognizing the need for annual comprehensive eye exams for students to be successful in the classroom, the program has helped more than 100,000 students, ages 6-18, throughout the Greater Houston area since its inception.
Aramco vollunteers help pre-screen students with depth perception and color blindness tests before moving on to a comprehensive exam with optometrists.
Aramco’s support as its lead ‘Visionary Partner’ has enabled students to thrive in the classroom. “I’m in awe of the mission of this program,” said Stephen Williams, director, Houston Health Department. “I see their faces and recognize the impact this has on their lives.”
One of the earliest Houston school districts, Aldine ISD, to participate in the program was in attendance with students from elementary through high school. “I’ve read about this program but to see it today is so special,” said LaTonya M. Goffney, superintendent, Aldine ISD. “As educators we know sight is so important.”
Taking Aramco representatives on a tour was Dr. Veronica Mendez, clinical director, and Jacy King, program director, who said, “this is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.”
Nearly 40 Aramco volunteers signed up to participate in this week’s schedule of exams. They helped with the pre-screening, data entry, and coordinating students through the process. A comprehensive exam is conducted by optometrists and students select their own eye glass frames.
Optometrists and ophthalmologists provide the exams and write prescription for glasses. The program provides one-stop shopping by providing the eye glass frames as well. The glasses are delivered to the student’s school where they are fitted by the nurse.
“It’s less of a medical exam and more like a field trip for them,” said Angela Singletary, director of Health Services, Aldine ISD. “It’s like one-stop shopping and they get to pick out their own fashionable fames.”
Students were pre-screened by their school nurse to participate and upwards of 92 percent needed glasses. This week organizers expected higher than normal volume with day one serving an estimated 225 students with roughly 1,200 students receiving exams for the week.
“This program is truly remarkable. It reaches into every aspect of their lives,” said Chief of Staff for Mayor John Whitmire’s Office, Chris Newport, who summed up the feelings of many in attendance. “The mayor is absolutely thrilled with this program. Houston can’t thank Aramco enough for its partnership.” Newport noted this was a great way to kick off ‘Aramco Week’ and congratulated the company on its 50-year anniversary in Houston.
Aramco Americas President & CEO Nabeel I. AlAfaleg, who toured the program for a second year, thanked all in attendance and said Aramco seeks to be a community partner wherever it operates around the world. He credited Houston employees for their strong commitment to community service.
Our involvement with the Houston Health Foundation gives Aramco Americas the opportunity to help with other health needs for youth besides vision though its Brilliant Future program which includes dental exams in its Project Saving Smiles.
Jacy King, program manager, See to Succeed, watches as Aramco volunteers help with screening students. King says that they see an average of 10,000 students a year.
