07/11/2024

Superspecs Update: Making a Significant Impact on Youth Eye Safety in Ohio

The 2023-2024 year has been a remarkable period for the Superspecs program, formerly known as Play Hard. Don’t Blink. This initiative, committed to preventing eye injuries in sports and educational settings, has successfully distributed thousands of protective eyewear and related equipment to Ohio's youth, positively impacting their safety and well-being.

Expanding Reach and Influence

Superspecs has broadened its reach, offering ANSI-approved protective eyewear, including non-prescription and prescription goggles, baseball/softball helmets, and fielder’s masks. The program targets a diverse population encompassing youth in sports, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, and high-need school districts throughout Ohio. This widespread outreach ensures that children from rural, suburban, and urban areas receive the necessary protection for their eyes.

Streamlined Application and Distribution

Transitioning to an online platform, Superspecs has made program information, applications, educational materials, and resources easily accessible. This shift has facilitated smooth application processes and timely distribution of protective equipment, ensuring that no child is left unprotected due to connectivity issues.

2023-2024 Distribution Highlights:

• CTE Eyewear: 38,314 units
• Baseball/Softball Helmets: 1,388 units
• Fielders’ Masks: 162 units
• Soccer/Basketball Goggles: 330 units
• Prescription Goggles: 574 units

Superspecs distributed a total of 40,768 pieces of eye safety equipment, reflecting the increasing demand and the program’s commitment to meeting the needs of Ohio's youth.

Exceptional Educational Programming

Superspecs’ educational initiatives are a cornerstone of its success. Through webinars, print media, social media, and public service announcements (PSAs), the program raises awareness about eye safety and the benefits of protective eyewear. Partnerships with organizations like the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) have amplified the reach of these educational messages, with millions of students, parents, and sports fans being educated about eye safety.

Parents are also engaged through educational videos and social media outreach, making them advocates for eye safety in sports and lab-based classrooms. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the message of eye safety permeates through various community levels.

Positive Feedback from the Community

Coaches, parents, and educators have expressed immense satisfaction with the Superspecs program. Surveys reveal a high level of awareness and appreciation for the protective equipment provided. Coaches have noted a significant reduction in eye injuries, and teachers have reported increased compliance with wearing protective eyewear in classrooms.

Survey Highlights:

• Teachers: 100% agree that goggles provide protection against eye injuries and should be mandatory in CTE/lab programs.
• Coaches: 100% acknowledge the serious risk of eye injuries in sports and support mandatory protective eyewear.

Strong Financial Support and Future Aspirations

Superspecs is proud to announce that it received $475,000 in funding for the 2023-2024 year, enabling the program to reach children in all 88 counties in Ohio. This generous support from the Ohio Department of Health Save Our Sight fund will continue for the current 2024-2025 grant cycle, ensuring that we can maintain and expand our critical services and outreach.

Superspecs aims to continue its mission of reducing eye injuries and changing the culture around eye safety. With ongoing support and potential for increased funding, the program looks forward to expanding its reach, enhancing its educational programming, and ensuring that every child in Ohio can participate in sports and educational activities safely.

Join the Movement

Ohio’s ophthalmologists are encouraged to support and promote the Superspecs program. By collaborating with local schools, sports leagues, and community organizations, we can further the mission of protecting our children’s vision and fostering a culture of eye safety. Together, we can make a difference, one pair of protective gear at a time.

For more information, visit www.superspecs.org and follow us on social media @superspecsohio