VIDBE-Q Volume 66, Issue 2
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number of students served by vision professionals is, on average, an underreport of
3.6 times the number of students actually receiving the services of a vision
professional in each state. She also determined that factors contributing to the
accuracy of a state's total population count may include the presence of a TVI
preparation program within the state and whether or not certain assessments were
required as part of the eligibility process.
As another part of her study, Dr. Schles gained insight from administrators,
practitioners, and researchers about the barriers and challenges which have
prevented the obtainment of this information in the past as well as avenues for
better collecting this information in the future. This led Dr. Schles to provide
concrete future steps which states can take under advisement in collecting more
accurate total population data.
Dr. Schles was an extraordinary student. She continues to be an extraordinary
professional and person. Dr. Tessa McCarthy writes, "I enjoyed working with Dr.
Schles in the capacity of her advisor during her time at the University of Pittsburgh
a great deal. I know that Dr. Hatton, for whom this award is named, would find Dr.
Schles very deserving of this award."
