New 'See the Board Act' Launches Mobile Eye Care Grants for Free Student Exams and Glasses Starting 2026

The new See the Board Act is setting up a federal grant program aimed squarely at making sure public school students can actually see the whiteboard. Starting in fiscal year 2026 and running through 2031, this bill authorizes funding for nonprofit organizations to bring free, comprehensive eye care services directly to elementary and secondary schools.

The Mobile Clinic Advantage

This isn't just about handing out vouchers. The bill specifies that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish this program within 180 days of enactment, focusing on funding nonprofit groups that use mobile or portable eye care equipment to provide services right on school grounds. The grants cover the cost of the gear, protective equipment, and the actual delivery of care. For a parent juggling two jobs and no time for doctor appointments, this is huge: the eye doctor comes to the kid.

To qualify for the grant money, the nonprofit must offer the full suite of services on-site: screenings, full eye exams by licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists, and an on-site optical shop to dispense glasses immediately. Think about a student struggling to read the textbook—this bill aims to fix that vision problem without adding another item to the family’s already packed schedule or budget. It’s a direct response to the reality that often, the biggest barrier to getting a kid glasses isn't the cost, but the logistics of taking time off work for appointments.

Who Pays and Who Benefits?

Because the grants are restricted to nonprofit organizations, the bill ensures that the funding goes toward maximizing free services rather than generating profit. This model also encourages grantees to communicate the importance of follow-up care to parents. While the bill aims to support public health and academic performance by improving student vision, it does come with a few caveats.

First, the funding is authorized as “whatever amount is necessary” from 2026 to 2031. That’s a bit vague, meaning the actual budget impact on taxpayers isn't capped, though it guarantees the program will have the resources it needs. Second, the Secretary of HHS is given broad authority to cover the costs of care and “anything else the Secretary deems necessary.” While this flexibility is good for program implementation, it gives HHS a lot of discretion over how the money is spent.

Finally, this move toward subsidized, on-site, free care could potentially impact for-profit vision care providers in areas where these mobile clinics operate. If a nonprofit provides the full exam and glasses for free at the school, it reduces the need for families to seek out private, paid services. Overall, though, the primary beneficiaries are clear: public school students, especially those from low-income families, who will get essential healthcare delivered conveniently and at no cost.