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Data and Key Findings Released for First Year of Inaugural ResultsOHIO Project

iSee project exceeds key metrics during 2021-22 School Year

COLUMBUS – The iSee project – the first effort launched under the ResultsOHIO pay for success model – has exceeded key performance metrics during its first year of implementation, according to data released today by the University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center.

In partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, Vision to Learn, and the Ohio Optometric Foundation, the iSee project uses mobile vision clinics to provide in-school vision care to students across high-needs areas in the 32 Appalachian counties in Ohio. The free services include vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams, and new prescription glasses. 

“Through ResultsOHIO, we have a unique and more accountable way to foster innovative solutions aimed at tackling some of the biggest challenges facing Ohio,” said Treasurer Sprague. “It’s been exciting to observe a pay for success approach in action and to watch as the iSee project provides critical services to an underserved region of our state. We look forward to seeing the project move forward in the new school year.”

Last year as part of the biennial budget process, the General Assembly appropriated $1.2 million for the iSee project to be conducted under the ResultsOHIO pay for success model. The Treasurer’s office worked with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and its partners to develop and structure the contract, set performance metrics, and ultimately launch the project, which spans the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. As the independent evaluator, the University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center is tasked with independently verifying whether the project’s performance metrics have been achieved.

The University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center is using two indicators to determine the extent to which the project will be supported by public dollars. The metrics include:

• Eye Exam Percentage: Percentage of students who received eye exams from Vision to Learn in participating Title I schools in Appalachian Ohio, out of the total students consented and referred. 

• Eyeglasses Percentage: Percentage of students who received eyeglasses from Vision to Learn in participating Title I schools in Appalachian Ohio, out of the total students who were prescribed glasses. 

During the 2021-2022 school year, mobile vision clinics provided services to students in grades K-12 in partnership with 10 school districts. After an initial screening, students were referred to the mobile vision clinics for a comprehensive eye exam. In total:

• 1841 students received an eye exam;
• 1535 students were prescribed eyeglasses; and
• 425 students were referred for a serious eye condition.

At the conclusion of the school year, the University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center’s  review found that the mobile vision clinics exceeded both target metrics. Ninety-five percent of referred students received eye exams and 100 percent of students who were prescribed glasses received new glasses – well over the targets of 90 percent.

Launched by Treasurer Sprague in 2019, ResultsOHIO enables policymakers and innovators to pursue pay for success projects aimed at tackling the most pressing social and public health challenges facing Ohio. It protects taxpayer dollars by focusing on bold, new results-based ideas. Public dollars will be used to reimburse project costs if it is proven to deliver verifiable results at its conclusion.  

In August 2021, the University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center was selected to serve as the independent evaluator for the first ResultsOHIO project. Serving as the independent evaluator, UC Evaluation Services Center has the responsibility of independently verifying whether the iSee project’s performance metrics have been achieved following the first and second years of the two-year project. 

The full report can be accessed online HERE.

Robert Sprague became Ohio’s 49th Treasurer of State on January 14, 2019, bringing to the office his extensive experience working on financial matters in both the public and private sectors. Under Treasurer Sprague’s direction, the office manages the state’s $39 billion investment and $11 billion debt portfolios, collects and deposits all state revenues, and oversees custodial assets.