Back in 2021, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague’s office took on the first ResultsOHIO project, with the University of Cincinnati Evaluation Services Center chosen to independently verify whether the iSee project met performance standards under the pay for success model.

Since then, the Appalachia-based project has exceeded expectations, with approximately 4,000 Buckeye State students getting comprehensive eye exams and more than 3,400 getting glasses, over the past two years. Sprague’s office said the conclusion of the project was the first completion of a state-supported pay for success project.

“This inaugural effort through ResultsOHIO has not only found a vision services model that was highly effective in reaching students across an underserved region, but it also brought together public and private partners to pursue data-driven solutions while protecting taxpayer dollars,” Sprague said.

While we hope a program doing so much to help students in Appalachian Ohio is able to continue its good work, it is also encouraging to see a model that protects taxpayer dollars prove itself so spectacularly.

“Their partnership also provided validation of the program’s results which showed improved outcomes in school and increased awareness of the importance of receiving comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis,” said Ohio Optometric Association Executive Director Keith Kerns.

Public-private partnerships can be effective. Sprague’s office deserves credit for finding a way to focus on results.