Students at the five Dallas Can Academies campuses received free eye exams and prescription glasses when the school year began from the Essilor Vision Foundation’s mobile optometry clinic. Kids Vision For Life is a program created by Essilor Vision Foundation of Dallas that partners with schools and communities to provide mobile vision services to children in need.

A bus travelling with two optometrists who provided complete vision exams and housing a lab outfitted with equipment necessary to edge and finish prescription glasses rolled onto the five Dallas Can Academies’ campuses to test students’ vision and identify those who needed glasses. The exams identified 380 students needing vision correction. While they were waiting in the mobile lab, new prescription glasses with name-brand frames were prepared for them to wear back to class. Dallas Can Academies covered the discounted $50 per student fee, freeing students of any financial responsibility.

“I love my new glasses,” said Dallas Can Academy senior Nancy Gonzalez. “I’d been having trouble reading, and it turns out I couldn’t see the words very well. I didn’t even know I needed glasses. Plus, they look pretty cool!” Gonzalez is not alone; 90% of children who need glasses do not have them.

“Good vision health is an essential component to educating the whole student, said Richard Marquez, CEO of Texans Can Academies. “We know that students with poor vision are three times more likely to fail a grade. I am very grateful to the Essilor Vision Foundation for helping us provide the best resources and support for our students’ educational success. They also walk back to class looking great and feeling proud of their new glasses.”