February 17, 2025
The newly opened Husky Health Center allows students to access little-to-no-cost medical care and behavioral health services during school hours. Third-year optometry student Kiley Stout has reviewed studies showing that 80 percent of learning is visual and has witnessed the impact of eye care on learning by providing eye examinations at the center. “Seeing this firsthand reinforced my belief that optometry plays a key role in a child’s success,” Stout said. The partnership between UMSL and the Husky Health Center has been in the works since last fall, and UMSL students officially began seeing patients in early January.
Ritenour School District Superintendent Chris Kilbride emphasized the importance of UMSL’s Optometry Center in removing barriers to student success. The College of Optometry has its own dedicated office at the center, where third-year students provide comprehensive eye exams to Ritenour students. Stout noted that school-based health centers are critical in bridging healthcare gaps, as many families face barriers to regular eye care. “Husky Health Center removes these obstacles by providing essential medical services during school hours,” she said. Students gain valuable experience working with pediatric patients, improving their clinical skills while contributing to the community’s well-being
