Every student deserves the chance to learn, explore, and grow with confidence, and for many, a clear vision is a critical part of that journey. For many students, clear vision is a critical part of that journey—students who struggle to see the board or read a book often face unnecessary barriers to learning and participation. Programs like Glasses4Scholars help remove those barriers, ensuring every learner has the tools they need to succeed.
Glasses4Scholars provides eye exams and prescription eyeglasses to school-age children in need in schools, including public charter schools and nonprofit organizations. Students who may have vision challenges are identified by school staff or through screening programs. A volunteer licensed eye doctor conducts an on-site exam, and if glasses are needed, students select their frames. Their new eyeglasses are delivered to the school within two to three weeks.
“We do this because we want every child to have the resources they need to excel in school and in life,” said Claudia Wood, Senior Program Manager. “The impact upon grades and classroom behavior resulting from the receipt of an eye exam and glasses can be transformative for a child.”
For example, one student who received glasses through the program shared that reading in class suddenly became easier and more enjoyable, and participating in group activities felt less stressful. Stories like these illustrate how something as simple as clear vision can have a lasting effect on learning and self-confidence.
A member of DC Public Charter School Board staff attended a Glasses4Scholars event hosted by Breakthrough Academy PCS in the beginning of January. This was Glasses4Scholar’s second event at Breakthrough Academy and was geared toward their slightly older students. Nick Farano, a member of the Glasses4Scholars staff and one of the facilitators of the event, said that he “loves to do this for elementary-age kids so they can access their curriculum and then they can continue to do so throughout their schooling.”
Glasses4Scholars is able to see up to 40 kids in a day at events like these, and they saw a staggering 800 students in the first semester of the SY 2025-26 school year. They combine technology–including a handheld autorefractor that gives them precise prescription-related measurements–into a low-cost intervention with wide-reaching effects. Glasses4Scholars ships each student 2 pairs of glasses within a couple of weeks, delivered directly to the school; they also allow students to pick their own glasses frames because kids are more likely to wear and use them if they feel good and like how they look.
The nurse at Breakthrough Academy who was facilitating this event, Emunah Ammi, said in a short interview that it’s “been one of [her] goals to have both vision and hearing screenings done at our school. [...] [Glasses4Scholars] provides the optometrist, all the volunteers, and provides two free pairs of glasses, so it’s comprehensive and allows the children to get the services without referring them out to somewhere else. It’s the most ideal scenario.” In her years working in education, she has found that “it can turn into behavior problems when they don’t have proper vision, [...] so I think it makes a big difference in learning. [...] Having good vision helps children with understanding because these are the fundamentals that they’re developing.” When asked if she would work with Glasses4Scholars again, she lit up, saying “if it changes one student’s life, I would definitely do it again every year.”
Schools play a crucial role in this process, helping identify students in need and supporting the program’s implementation. By partnering with programs like Glasses4Scholars, schools can ensure students have equal access to learning opportunities and the resources they need to thrive.
Head over to their website to learn more about when the Glasses4Scholars program may be coming to your school and for helpful FAQs.
