The event is part of a broader initiative by Vision To Learn, a non-profit charity that helps kids across the country by providing free eye exams and glasses.
Wednesday’s event marks the completion of Vision To Learn’s first year helping kids in Atlanta Public Schools and celebrates the initiative’s growing impact. To date, the non-profit has helped more than 1,500 kids in Atlanta alone.
“Children in Atlanta are coming to school every day unable to see the board or read a book, and they have trouble engaging in the classroom,” said Vision To Learn Founder Austin Beutner. “With the help of supporters like Master P, Vision To Learn will continue working to help every child get the glasses needed to succeed in school, and in life.”
An estimated two million students in the U.S. lack the glasses they need at school, including an estimated 55,000 in Atlanta. Founded in 2012 in Los Angeles, Vision To Learn now provides eye exams and glasses to children in low-income communities in 242 cities in 12 states.
At KIPP WAYS Academy, 331 students were provided with vision screenings, and 46% needed glasses. 167 students received eye exams, and 153 were provided with glasses.
Research by faculty from the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA about students who received glasses from Vision To Learn showed the students’ grades improved and they were more engaged in the classroom. Students with untreated vision problems often struggle at school, and they are less likely to achieve reading proficiency by third grade, putting them at greater risk of dropping out.
Master P helped motivate the students by sharing his personal journey at Wednesday’s event. “When I was asked by Austin to join Vision To Learn in this worthy cause, I knew immediately I wanted to jump in and do my part,” said Miller. “I share Austin’s vision on the importance of providing children with the tools they need to succeed.”
Vision To Learn’s program in Atlanta is supported by the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, Chick-fil-A Foundation, Georgia Power, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Learn4Life, and Essilor Vision Foundation.
About TEAM HOPE NOLA
TEAM HOPE NOLA (THN) is a non-profit (501 c3) organization that was started to help the youth of New Orleans through educational programs, sports, and mentorships. In the beginning music mogul, philanthropist Percy (Master P) Miller had a vision to assist the children of New Orleans. In the past several years Miller and his team have helped over one million children and adults throughout the country by giving back to the inner cities. From the City of Compton in California to Orlando, Florida, Team Hope shows up with back-to- school giveaways, Thanksgiving food drives, Christmas giveaways, and scholarships for students. THN’s mission is to lend a hand when and wherever the organization can.
