Councilmember-At-Large Jason Rogers Williams and Orleans Parish School Board Member Ethan Ashley Voice Support for Initiative to Provide Free Eye Exams and Glasses to Kids in New Orleans
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. An estimated two million students in the U.S. lack the glasses they need at school, including an estimated 6,000 in New Orleans.
“Too many children in New Orleans come 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 they need to succeed in school, and in life.”
At Foundation Preparatory Charter Elementary, 144 students were provided with vision screenings, and 16% needed glasses. 29 students received eye exams, and 23 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 Thursday’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 pilot program in New Orleans is supported by the Essilor Vision Foundation and Healthy Blue.
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.
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