Several Rio Grande Valley students are getting new technology that could change the way they see the world around them.

The vision devices are designed to help children read, learn and become more independent.

Third grader Jocelyn Alejandro rolls her bag down the hallway not knowing yet just how much the device inside will change her everyday life.

Inside the bag is an Onyx 22-inch desktop video magnifier. It's just one of the tools designed to help Jocelyn see the world a little more clearly.

Jocelyn is a student at Salinas Elementary School in Donna. While her classmates are reading chapter books and writing assignments, for Jocelyn, seeing the words on a page can be a challenge at times.

"At three months, she did get surgery on both of her eyes because of her vision," Jocelyn's mother, Janet Alvarado, said.

At three months old, Jocelyn was diagnosed with a severe retinal detachment. She was later also diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Her mom says learning wasn't easy.

"At the beginning? It was hard for me because I never thought I would go through something like this," Janet said.

Now, Jocelyn and six other Valley children have started a new journey. Each child received free technology from Sight Savers for their vision needs.

Dr. Miroslava Garza says the children are first evaluated and then matched with their device.

"The portable one is just for them to take it to different places. They can travel with it, and the CCTV, it's like a desktop computer. So, they need to use it while sitting down, being at home, doing homework, reading, near work activities," Garza said.

On Thursday, Aug. 27, the children received 45 minutes to an hour of training, learning how to use the device for their own specific needs.

"It's very rewarding you know, for them to continue to build independence and their everyday lives," Sight Savers of America Associate Director Matthew Daw said.

Daw said these devices can be expensive for families.

"These devices can range anywhere from $3,500 retail, and insurance does not cover them. We get the grant funding and we're able to, you know, provide that equipment," Daw said.

Funding from the Raul Tijerina Foundation and Vispero are helping these children get the technology. Sight Savers said they'll continue to follow up with the children for two weeks and three months.

But for the Alvarado family, this isn't just a device — it's a new way of seeing Jocelyn's future.

"Now that she can see the letters big and the line outs and the pictures bigger, I think this will help her...in school and do better," Janet said.

Watch the video above for the full story.