Glasses. For some of us, they’re second nature. Others may never needed them. But as technology use continues to grow, vision concerns among children are becoming more common.
Some students don’t realize that the reason they are struggling in school may not be behavioral at all. Sometimes, they simply can’t see the board, read clearly, or fully participate in class. Over time, that frustration can lead students to shut down, disengage, or fall behind academically and socially.
Long Term Impact
In Pennsylvania, schools are required to conduct annual vision screenings for students. However, there are limited resources available to support families after a student fails that screening.
“Studies show that nearly two-thirds of children referred for follow-up vision care never receive it. The reasons vary, from cost and transportation barriers to limited access to providers or simply not realizing how important vision care can be for a child’s success.”
The long-term impact can be significant, affecting not only academic performance, but also a child’s confidence, development, and overall quality of life.
How Community Schools are Addressing Vision Barriers
At United Way Community Schools, we are working to help remove some of these barriers by bringing vision care directly to students, at no cost to families.
For the past several years, United Way of Erie County has partnered with Vision to Learn, a mobile vision clinic that visits schools and provides comprehensive eye exams and glasses to students who do not pass their annual school vision screening. Through this partnership, students work one-on-one with an optometrist and technician to ensure they receive the care and glasses they need. Students can also choose from a wide selection of frames provided through Warby Parker.
This year alone, more than 80 students at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary, Erie High School, and Strong Vincent Middle School received vision services and glasses through the program. Vision To Learn will also return this fall to support additional schools and will showcase its mobile clinic vehicle at United Way of Erie County’s Assembly 2026 on October 13.
All services are provided free of charge to students thanks to funding from United Way of Erie County and partial support from the Erie Women’s Fund.
Progress at the State Level, But More Work Ahead
While programs like this are making an immediate difference for students and families, we also know there is more work to be done from a systemic standpoint. That’s why United Way of Erie County continues to advocate for increased funding and expanded access to vision care for children across Pennsylvania.
Recently, there has been momentum at the state level to address this issue with House Bill 1077, legislation aimed at helping ensure students who need glasses receive the follow-up care they need. The bill would establish a commission that works alongside vision care professionals and nonprofit organizations across Pennsylvania to develop a statewide plan for follow-up vision exams and access to glasses for youth.
The bill passed in the Pennsylvania House on May 4. If ultimately approved, this legislation would be a major step toward creating more equitable and accessible vision care for children across the Commonwealth