The Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute (APEI), located in the Division of Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, was founded in 1995 by Rotary Club of Cincinnati honorary member, ophthalmologist, and 
philanthropist Ira Abrahamson, MD. He launched the APEI with the mission of wiping out preventable blindness in children.
The condition known amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. If treated, vision can be corrected. If left untreated, amblyopia can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness. Abrahamson wanted to create awareness of early detection of amblyopia by developing and implementing vision-screening programs. The institute began its community outreach vision-screening program in 1996 and has steadily expanded to now screen children in 29 Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky elementary schools and community centers. Abrahamson continues to raise support for the APEI and its vision screening program.
Vision Screening Program
The Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology’s Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute (APEI) Vision Screening Program at Cincinnati Children’s educates the public and takes a proactive approach to treating reversible vision loss in children. Trained program volunteers visit Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky schools, health fairs and enrichment programs to examine children’s eyes. Volunteers provide glasses and eye patches where appropriate.
Thanks for joining us in Toronto! To learn more about how you can implement a vision screening program in your organization, contact:
Carol Weinel, COA
Vision Screening Coordinator
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
3333 Burnet Ave.
MLC 4008
Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039
513-636-4751
[email protected]
