DALLAS—The Vision Impact Institute and The Cooper Institute are extending their 2019 collaboration to improve vision and fitness for students, the organizations announced. Now in its second year, this partnership brings together two organizations devoted to putting research into action to improve children’s health and wellness. The Rosewood Foundation funded the venture in honor of the late matriarch, Caroline Rose Hunt, who was passionate about vision care. Using youth health initiatives such as FitnessGram by The Cooper Institute, the most widely-used youth fitness assessment, both organizations hope to reach nearly 10 million students and their parents across the country.

“Our collaboration with The Cooper Institute provides a unique platform to create awareness about the impact of poor vision on children, and we’re so pleased to see these efforts continue,” said Kristan Gross, Vision Impact Institute’s global executive director. “When children can’t see well, it impacts so many aspects of their lives, including their learning and chances for future success. Together with The Cooper Institute, we have been able to bring this message to teachers, parents and other advocates who are better equipped to step up on behalf of children, their health and their future.”

The Cooper Institute understands that vision is a key component to academic achievement and physical fitness. Together, these two organizations hope to raise awareness about the priority of good vision and the role it plays in helping students achieve better fitness and academic success.

“Our research proves that fitness is the key to building healthier, more successful students. Vision is an integral part of student health and success,” said Amy Johnson, chief development officer of The Cooper Institute. “We are pleased to share this message with students, parents, teachers and school leaders across the country and are grateful to The Rosewood Foundation for this opportunity.”

The Cooper Institute was established as a nonprofit in 1970 by Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, to promoting life-long health and wellness worldwide through research, education and advocacy.