Did You Know?
More than 14,000 children in Charlotte attend school every day without the glasses they need to succeed—whether it’s seeing the board, reading a book, or participating in class. Across North Carolina, that number rises to 140,000 students.
To address this critical need, Vision To Learn partners with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), area charter and private schools, community organizations, and the Mecklenburg County Health Department to provide students access to vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses—at no cost.
About Us
Founded in 2018, Vision To Learn (VTL) launched in Charlotte with the support of local champions Hugh and Renee McColl III, who continue to lead philanthropic efforts. VTL’s founder, Austin Beutner, and now-CEO Ann Hollister worked closely with the McColls to ensure every Mecklenburg County student has access to the vision care they need to succeed in school and life.
What began as one clinic, and a dream has grown into three operational clinics with a dedicated team. Together, we’re making a profound impact on Charlotte’s students.
Our Impact
Since 2018, Vision To Learn has:
- Screened almost 66,000 students
- Provided over 27,000 eye exams
- Delivered almost 25,000 pairs of glasses
With continued support, we’re helping thousands more each year.
Collaborations
Vision To Learn collaborates with CMS leadership, the Mecklenburg County Government, area schools, and local organizations. Together, we ensure Title I and other underserved schools receive essential vision services.
Events and Highlights
- 2018 Launch at Thomasboro Academy: 95 students received glasses.
- 2024 Partner Event sponsored by the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation at Renaissance West STEAM Academy: 82 students received glasses.
These partnerships—and many others—are helping Vision To Learn reach more students than ever before.
Supporters Make it Possible
With support from Mecklenburg County Government and increased investments from the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation and others, Vision To Learn expanded in 2022, adding a third clinic now serving an additional 1,500+ students annually.
A Message to Students
To every student: you are special and valuable to society. Whatever path you choose, pursue it with all your heart, mind, and strength—you are the future, and Vision To Learn is here to support you.
Special Thanks
Thank you for visiting our page! Your support—whether through a partnership, donation, or simply spreading the word—helps us ensure every child in need of glasses has access to them and a bright future ahead.



North Carolina Supporters
Albemarle Foundation
Ally Financial
Bank of America
Barings
C. D. Spangler Foundation
Charlotte Merchants Foundation
Children’s Medical Endowment Fund
Collins Aerospace
David and Nicole Tepper Charitable Foundation
Davidson College Learning by Giving Grant
Douglas Lebda
Dowd Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation
Foundation for a Healthy Carolina
Foundation for the Carolinas
Gambrell Foundation
Healthy Charlotte Alliance
Hendrick Family Foundation
Howard R. Levine Foundation – Howard & Julie Levine
Hugh & Renee McColl III
Hugh McColl Jr.
Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Leon Levine Foundation
Mecklenburg County Government
ONE Charlotte Health Alliance
SteelFab
Trane Technologies (formally Ingersoll-Rand Foundation)
Wells Fargo Foundation
Contact
North Carolina Program Office
+1 (980) 292-0710
northcarolina@visiontolearn.org