Helping Kids Get the Glasses They Need to See Clearly

Many kids in the U.S. struggle with vision problems, which can really affect their daily lives. Fortunately, there is a simple fix: glasses. However, glasses can be pricey, making it difficult for some families to afford them. But there's good news! Organizations are stepping up to change this situation and help all kids see clearly.

Helping Kids See Clearly

Every March, a unique event comes to life to provide glasses to those in need. During this event, volunteers help children get the vision care they require without cost. According to Zachary Zeilan, program manager for OneSight, they aim to assist up to a thousand kids in just five days. “We’re doing all of the pretesting, all of the exams, and we’re making the glasses for everyone that needs it,” he explains.

A Personal Experience

One story stands out during this event. A 9-year-old girl named Trinity Cancio prepares to receive her first pair of reading glasses. She shares, “Kind of blurry when I read if I don’t have glasses. But other than that, I see good.” During the event, children go through tests to figure out their exact prescription. They also get to choose their favorite frames.

Protecting Eyes from Screens

With more time spent on digital screens both at school and at home, kids are experiencing more eye strain than ever before. Blue light blocking glasses can help reduce discomfort from prolonged screen use, improving focus and comfort throughout the day. 

The Process of Getting Glasses

Once the children have their prescriptions and frames picked out, the glasses-making process begins. David Shean, who leads lab operations for the event, describes the steps involved:

• Gather the prescription and frames.
• Spot the lenses to ensure they match the prescription.
• Fit the lenses into the frames using special machines.
• Final inspection and cleaning of the glasses.

This careful process ensures that every child receives glasses that fit perfectly. Trinity expresses her excitement, stating that now everything is clear. “Everything was blurry, now it’s not,” she beams.

The Impact on Education

Being able to see clearly opens up a whole new world of possibilities for children like Trinity. Zeilan emphasizes how crucial this is for young students: “It’s hard with these elementary schoolers who know nothing else besides the blurry vision up at the front of the class. For us to relieve that barrier, it’s just amazing.”

Finding the right glasses can be an exciting step toward a brighter future for every child. If you're inspired by these efforts and want to ensure you or someone you love sees clearly, check out the latest prescription glasses from ThinOptics that you can easily carry with you every day. Because vision should be accessible for everyone!