UNC Pembroke officials told the Public Schools of Robeson County board on Nov. 18 that the university is developing a College of Optometric Medicine and pitched a school-district partnership to provide comprehensive pediatric eye care.

Dean Tracy Mulvaney and colleagues described multiple existing pipeline programs that place teachers and clinical trainees in Robeson County schools and said those relationships would support a new optometry program. Associate dean Liz Wiles outlined a proposed Healthy Eyes, Bright Minds initiative that would combine clinical education, community partnership, research and transportation of students to a UNCP eye clinic for comprehensive, dilated eye examinations and glasses when needed.

Why it matters: presenters said many children lack access to comprehensive eye care and that untreated vision problems can limit learning. Mulvaney and Wiles said the program would remove logistical barriers by transporting students during school hours, accept insurance when available and pursue grants to cover care and eyeglasses for uninsured or underinsured children.

Details from the presentation: UNCP representatives said the Board of Governors approved development of a doctor of optometry program in May 2024; the project includes a planned $91,000,000 building with anticipated groundbreaking in spring (presenters stated) and a goal of enrolling the first class in 2027 and beginning clinical services in 2028. Speakers also noted recent grants and funding that support related work, including a reported $3,500,000 award described as coming through an Office of Indian Education program and literacy and teacher-pipeline grants (presenters referenced a Battle of the Books grant of about $80,000 and other scholarships and fellowships such as NC Teaching Fellows).

Board discussion and next steps: board members asked about data for Native American students, possible partnerships with organizations such as the Lions Club for glasses, and whether similar models exist elsewhere. UNCP said it has been in touch with a successful Chicago program and would pursue a memorandum of understanding or letter of intent with PSRC to develop a framework; presenters suggested a small committee to finalize an MOU and noted the program is not scheduled to launch until 2027.

What was not decided: the board did not vote to adopt program terms at the meeting; presenters asked the district to consider the proposal and agreed to work with district staff on next steps and an MOU for future action.

Quotes: “This program integrates education, service and is sustainable,” said Associate Dean Liz Wiles, describing plans to use insurance and grants to cover care and eyeglasses. Dean Tracy Mulvaney added that UNCP’s teacher-pipeline programs produce many teachers who return to Robeson County.

What’s next: UNCP will collaborate with district staff on an MOU or letter of intent and return with a proposed framework; the board requested legal and administrative review before any formal agreement.