By Makayla Walker and Andrew Hall 
AFRO Interns
mwalker@afro.com 
ahall@afro.com 

As families prepare for the upcoming school year, the D.C. Public Library (DCPL) is helping children see the classroom more clearly by offering free eye exams and prescription glasses through a partnership with Vision to Learn.

D.C. Public Library (DCPL) partners with Vision to Learn to provide free eye exams until Aug. 21 for students ages 3-18. Families must preregister at one of eight locations across the district. Shown here, Victoria, age 5, admiring new glasses she received during free vision screenings and comprehensive eye exam at an unrelated event. Photo Credit: Unsplash / David Travis

The program provides free vision care for children and teens, ages 3-18, at participating library branches across the District. According to Vision to Learn, most children struggle in school because they are unable to see the board, read classroom materials or complete assignments due to undiagnosed vision problems. This initiative makes it easier for families to access essential health services without worrying about the cost. Children who need corrective lenses will receive prescription glasses at no charge after completing an eye exam. 

Appointments are being offered throughout the summer at these six libraries: Palisades (July 21 and July 30), Parklands-Turner (July 23 and Aug. 13), Lamond Riggs (Aug. 6), Southwest (Aug. 18), Woodridge (Aug. 20) and Mt. Pleasant (Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21). 

Appointments are limited and preregistration is required. Interested families can view availability and register through visiontolearn.org or find more information at the D.C. Public Library events calendar.

Leave a comment