Early prevention and opportune eye checks have been determinant in school performance as children who cannot see well do not perform well in school. The Rotary Club of Nuevo Medellin started the eye screening program in 1991 by going to poor schools in rural areas around Medellin. The successful program has evolved to a point where the local health care system and the education local departments are working together. Teachers are now trained to give the eye checks so they know which children need to sit closer to the front of the class. When the school knows which children are affected, a specialist exams them to determine if they need glasses, surgery or any special treatment. The charts are left at each school and the children are given a book and pen.