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.

“Today’s announcement is a long time coming, and we’re proud to have taken the lead in reimagining how we tackle complex challenges facing the Buckeye State,” Sprague said. “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. With this project in the books, we hope more government partners will embrace the ResultsOHIO model and consider a pay-for-success approach when pursuing new and innovative pilot projects.”

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

“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. It is a great example of a successful public-private partnership, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Ohio Optometric Association Executive Director and Ohio Optometric Foundation Board Member Keith Kerns.

Public-private partnerships can be effective uses of taxpayer money. They can also be a waste of those dollars. Sprague’s office deserves credit for finding a way to focus on results. The task now is to keep that success rolling.