The Minnesota Vision Health Task Force recognized the unique needs and experiences of Native American children and families in Minnesota related to vision health. In response, the Task Force created the Little Eyes, Big Eyes (LEBE) initiative. This initiative was specifically designed to center on the needs and experiences of Native American communities across Minnesota, aiming to bridge gaps in access to vision care, raise awareness about eye health, and provide tailored support to ensure optimal vision outcomes for Native American children and families. Through collaborative efforts with local partners, culturally sensitive approaches, and targeted communications, the Little Eyes, Big Eyes initiative strives to promote and support equitable and comprehensive vision health strategies for all Native children, youth, and families.
The Little Eyes Big Eyes Project aims to advance the comprehensive vision health strategy of the Minnesota Vision Health Task Force by
- Supporting primary health clinics and community organizations that serve Minnesota Native communities.
- Enhancing vision screening efforts and improving access to eye care services.
- Raising awareness about the importance of vision health.
This campaign was created for:
- Native American children, youth, and families of all ages in Minnesota
- Healthcare professionals and community organizations that serve and support Minnesota Native communities
The Little Eyes, Big Eyes project is supported by a grant received from the Seva Foundation. The Center for Leadership Education in Maternal and Child Public Health also provides technical assistance to the Minnesota Vision Health Task Force thanks to funding from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Contact the Minnesota Vision Health Task Force to host a free vision screening! We will work with you to host a stand-alone screening event or take part in your larger event. Trained professionals will bring a vision screener to test the eyes of anyone ages 6 months and up.
Screenings take under 2 minutes and let you know immediately if you should seek further care. The Task Force will provide staffing, materials to promote the screening, and resources on where to find eyeglasses and local vision clinics.
We support community capacity, local healthcare clinics, and community organizations by providing:
- vision screening events
- follow-up care
- instrument screeners*
- technical assistance
- training and capacity building
Contact us at visionhealthmn @ gmail.com to learn how the Task Force can help provide vision screenings at you next community event!
Spread the Word! The Minnesota Vision Health Task Force has created awareness campaign materials to share and promote vision health for Minnesota Native American communities through:
Sharable Graphics
Share these graphics and captions on your social network platforms or web pages.
Caption: Clear Vision, Strong Communities: Supporting Native American Children, Youth, and Families on the Path to Better Eye Health. Let’s work together to build a future where everyone can see their dreams clearly! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Through Little Eyes, We See Big Dreams: Promoting Vision Health for Native American Children, Youth, & Families. Join our mission to ensure that every Native American has access to clear vision! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Bright Eyes, Bright Futures: Advocating for Vision Health Awareness among Native American Children, Youth, & Families. Together, let’s open the doors to a world of possibilities through clear sight! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Clear Vision, Strong Communities: Supporting Native American Children, Youth, and Families on the Path to Better Eye Health. Let’s work together to build a future where everyone can see their dreams clearly! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Through Little Eyes, We See Big Dreams: Promoting Vision Health for Native American Children, Youth, & Families. Join our mission to ensure that every Native American has access to clear vision! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Bright Eyes, Bright Futures: Advocating for Vision Health Awareness among Native American Children, Youth, & Families. Together, let’s open the doors to a world of possibilities through clear sight! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Clear Vision, Strong Communities: Supporting Native American Children, Youth, and Families on the Path to Better Eye Health. Let’s work together to build a future where everyone can see their dreams clearly! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Through Little Eyes, We See Big Dreams: Promoting Vision Health for Native American Children, Youth, & Families. Join our mission to ensure that every Native American has access to clear vision! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
Caption: Bright Eyes, Bright Futures: Advocating for Vision Health Awareness among Native American Children, Youth, & Families. Together, let’s open the doors to a world of possibilities through clear sight! #VisionForAll #NativeVisionHealth #LittleEyesBigEyes #MNVisionHealth
To download the image:
- Click ‘download graphic here.’
Email Signatures
Download and add the Little Eyes, Big Eyes graphic to your email signature.
To download the image:
- Click ‘download graphic here.’
Update your email signature in Outlook:
- Click File > Options > Mail > Signatures.
- Click the signature you want to edit, and then add the downloaded image in the Edit signature box under your current signature.
- When you’re done, select Save > OK.
Update your email signature in Gmail:
- In the top right, click Settings.
- Under ‘General’, scroll to ‘Signature’ and click the signature you want to edit.
- Use the text box to add in the downloaded image under your current signature.
- At the bottom, click Save Changes.
Posters & Handouts
Share these posters and handouts both virtually or printed.
To download the image:
- Click ‘download graphic here.’
Newsletter Content
Copy and paste this paragraph into your next email or newsletter.
SUBJECT: Add Free Vision Screening to Your Next Community Health Clinic or Event!
Contact the Minnesota Vision Health Task Force to host a free vision screening! We will work with you to host a stand-alone screening event or take part in your larger event. Trained professionals will bring a vision screener to test the eyes of anyone ages 6 months and up. Screenings take under 2 minutes and let you know immediately if you should seek further care. The Task Force will provide staffing, materials to promote the screening, and resources on where to find eyeglasses and local vision clinics. Contact Cindy Hillyer at visionhealthmn @ gmail.com for more info.
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Host a Screening Event:
The Little Eyes, Big Eyes Project aids Native-serving health clinics and community organizations to increase vision screenings and access to eye care.
We support Native community capacity, local healthcare clinics, and community organizations by providing:
- vision screening events
- follow-up care
- instrument screeners*
- technical assistance
- training and capacity building
Help us improve the vision health of whole families–and especially the needs of children, youth, and families of all ages–by contacting us at visionhealthmn @ gmail.com to learn more!
*Depending on funding, we can purchase a certain number of screeners so you can screen in your community.
Want to connect? Contact the Minnesota Vision Health Task Force at visionhealthmn @ gmail.com.