Centene Charitable Foundation Awards $150,000 Grant to Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation’s InfantSEE Program

January 4, 2018

St. Louis, Missouri - The Centene Charitable Foundation, based in St. Louis, Missouri, is making a difference in the vision health of children with a $150,000 grant to Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation's InfantSEE® program.

According to Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation, vision disorders are the fourth most common disability in the United States and the most prevalent handicapping condition during childhood. A trained doctor of optometry can examine infant eye development as early as six to 12 months of age. These early assessments help identify developing eye conditions and diseases, allowing for treatment and possible prevention of life-long vision complication.  

Nearly 4,000 InfantSEE doctors of optometry examine thousands of infants annually for normal eye development and to intervene early if necessary. To date, more than 139,000 babies have been seen and approximately 10 percent have been identified for greater concerns and follow-up.  

"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Centene Charitable Foundation for providing generous support of our efforts to provide education about the importance of regular eye care for children," said Brittany Broombaugh, Director, Optometry Cares—The AOA Foundation.  

Centene's grant will be used to expand awareness of the InfantSEE program among new parents through print advertising, brochures, signage and displays, and online efforts over the next three years.  

About the Centene Charitable Foundation:
Charitable outreach is an important part of Centene Corporation's business philosophy. Since 2004, Centene Charitable Foundation has contributed a substantial amount to initiatives that improve the quality of life and health in our communities.

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government-sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long Term Care (LTC), in addition to other state-sponsored/hybrid programs and Medicare (Special Needs Plans). The Company operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health management, care management software, correctional healthcare services, dental benefits management, in-home health services, life and health management, managed vision, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.  

About InfantSEE® by Optometry Cares®The AOA Foundation:
InfantSEE®, a public health program, managed by Optometry Cares ®The AOA Foundation, is designed to ensure that eye and vision care become an essential part of infant wellness care to improve a child's quality of life. The program launched in 2005 with participating doctors of optometry providing comprehensive infant eye assessments between six and 12 months of age as a no-cost public service. Learn more and locate a doctor in your area at InfantSEE.org.

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