1 in 4 Children Needs Glasses, But Many In Low-Income Areas Never Receive Them...
For many children, a simple pair of glasses can be the key to unlocking their full potential in the classroom. Yet, for families facing financial and logistical barriers, accessing vision care remains a challenge. That’s why United Way of Erie County is proud to partner with Vision To Learn to provide free eye exams and eyeglasses to students in need at three local elementary schools this spring.
Thanks to generous funding from the Erie Women’s Fund of the Erie's Community Foundation, Vision To Learn’s mobile optometry unit will visit Union City Elementary, Iroquois Elementary, and Elk Valley Elementary in March and May. Over the course of seven service days, approximately 140 students who have failed their school vision screenings will receive professional eye exams and two pairs of prescription glasses—at no cost to their families.
Research shows that one in four children needs glasses, but many in low-income areas never receive them due to the cost, lack of transportation, or other accessibility challenges. Without corrective eyewear, students may struggle academically, fall behind in their studies, or even be misidentified as having behavioral issues.
By bringing vision services directly into schools, United Way Community Schools are making sure students don’t have to miss class or rely on families to navigate complex healthcare barriers. Instead, they’ll receive the tools they need to see clearly and succeed in the classroom—one of many ways United Way’s Community Schools initiative is eliminating obstacles to student achievement
