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In an effort to supply children in low-income households with glasses for the impending school year, nonprofit “Vision To Learn” will visit eight Baltimore County Public Library branches in August.
Children who step aboard the organization’s mobile vision clinic will receive free eye exams and, if needed, new glasses of their choice.
In a Stanford University Rural Education Action Plan study, research showed that over a period of nine months, wearing glasses raises a nearsighted child’s test scores by an average of 14 points. Without the glasses, the child is essentially losing an equivalent amount.
In the 2013 “Impact Analysis of Vision to Learn” study at UCLA, teachers reported that glasses helped students become more engaged in the classroom and were not only more confident about participating in class, but the class as a whole experienced fewer disruptions.
“We are always looking for ways to serve our community and level the playing field for those who are struggling,” said Baltimore County Public Library Director Sonia Alcántara-Antoine. “I am thrilled to be able to offer this life-changing service to families in need.”
Exams are available for children 17 and under, and all participants will need to be able to identify and verbalize basic shapes during the eye exam. If the initial screening indicates that a child needs corrective lenses, they will be examined by a licensed optometrist and then choose from a large selection of Warby Parker frames.
Vision To Learn will visit the following branches and schedule appointments between 9 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. Each appointment is 20 minutes, which includes an exam, glasses selection and cleaning between patients. All participants are required to wear masks.
“Vision To Learn’s partnership with Baltimore County Public Library has allowed us to continue providing students with the glasses they need to succeed in school, and in life,” said Vision to Learn Manager/Regional Director of East Coast Operations Wade Brown.
“Now, as kids come back to school, getting them access to quality vision care is more important than ever.”
Maryland Vision To Learn supporters include the Abell Foundation, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Congressman John K. Delaney and April McClain-Delaney, Capital Source Foundation, Johns Hopkins University and the Warby Parker Foundation.
“Like many children, I needed eyeglasses from a young age. When a child can’t see, it is difficult for them to focus and learn, whether that’s in a classroom or when reading their favorite library book.
Our partnership with Vision To Learn will help more than 100 children transform their lives and educational future,” added Alcántara-Antoine.
Vision To Learn will visit the following Baltimore County Library branches.
Appointments will be scheduled between August 16 and 26, 2021from 9 a.m. to 2.40 p.m. Each appointment is 20 minutes, which will include an exam, glasses selection and cleaning between patients.
Monday, August 16 — Woodlawn Branch
Tuesday, August 17 — North Point Branch
Wednesday, August 18 — Rosedale Branch
Thursday, August 19 — Arbutus Branch
Monday, August 23 — Cockeysville Branch
Tuesday, August 24 — Sollers Point Branch
Wednesday, August 25 — White Marsh Branch
Thursday, August 26 — Randallstown Branch
Schedule an appointment by clicking this link.
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