Urbana’s BMV honored by state program

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The Urbana Bureau of Motor Vehicles was recognized as one of the top agencies in the state for collecting donations to benefit children’s vision health.

The local bureau was 10th in the state in collecting donations for the Save Our Sight program.

According to the Ohio Department of Health’s website, the objective of the program is to provide early detection of vision problems and promote eye health and safety. When Ohio drivers apply for or renew their license plates, they will be asked if they want to contribute $1 to the fund and it will be added to their fee.

This money helps provide training, certification and equipment for vision screeners, provide protective eye-wear for youth sports and school activities, develop and provide eye health and safety programs for schools and provide information and case management services to children diagnosed with amblyopia (lazy eye) and their families through the Ohio Amblyope Registry.

Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 36.12 percent of Champaign County drivers donated to Save Our Sight when asked. The Bellefontaine bureau was first in the state at 44.95 percent.

Champaign County Deputy Registrar Penny Underwood said the bureau was awarded with an achievement certificate for placing 10th in the state on Sept. 23. She added the award was not only made possible due to the generous donations of Champaign County patrons, but also by the dedicated staff members of the Urbana BMV.

Underwood said 90 percent of the money donated for the program goes toward saving the sight of youths.

Office Manager Rebecca Jones said drivers sometimes donate more than $1.

“It says a lot about our community that they’re so willing to help children and prevent vision problems,” Jones said. “We really appreciate that.”

Through the Save Our Sight program, Underwood said 11 children in the county have received free eye patches for the treatment of amblyopia, and 2,094 children were helped through the vision health and safety program in their schools.

For more information about the program or if a resident is interested in learning how to receive these benefits, visit the Save Our Sight website at saveoursight.ohio.gov.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/11/web1_Sight1.jpgNick Walton | Urbana Daily Citizen

Urbana BMV Office Manager Rebecca Jones, left, and AssistantOffice Manager Marisa Beal hold an achievement certificate the bureau received for placing 10th in the state for donations to the Save Our Sight program. The program intends to help provide early detection of vision problems and promotes eye health and safety.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/11/web1_Sight2.jpgUrbana BMV Office Manager Rebecca Jones, left, and AssistantOffice Manager Marisa Beal hold an achievement certificate the bureau received for placing 10th in the state for donations to the Save Our Sight program. The program intends to help provide early detection of vision problems and promotes eye health and safety. Nick Walton | Urbana Daily Citizen
Save Our Sight a priority for local bureau

By Nick Walton

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Nick Walton can be reached at 937-652-1331 Ext. 1777 or on Twitter @UDCWalton.

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