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Vision To Learn

Vision To Learn provides free eye exams and free eyeglasses to students in low-income communities.

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South Carolina

Vision To Learn, together with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health), MUSC Children’s Health, and MUSC Storm Eye Institute, have affiliated to bring free vision services to kids in need in South Carolina. With the support of MUSC Health and an incredible outpouring of community support, Vision To Learn launched in Charleston this past September with eye screenings conducted in school auditoriums, exams provided in a mobile vision clinic traveling each day to Charleston County School District (CCSD) Title 1 public schools, and optician-led glasses dispensings following up a few weeks later.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help students who have, for years, gone without basic eye care — to the detriment of their academic achievement. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full academic and wellness potential,” said Patrick Cawley, M.D., MUSC Health system CEO and Vice President for MUSC Health Affairs. “This program is a great fit with our mission to improve continuity of care for children in need throughout the region, and we look forward to working with other community eye care providers to fill this important need for our community’s children.” 

Senator Tim Scott congratulates a student on her new glasses at Stono Park Elementary.
Senator Tim Scott congratulates a student on her new glasses at Stono Park Elementary.

Vision To Learn is fortunate to have a strong partnership with CCSD, including the unwavering support of CCSD Nursing led by Head of Nursing Ellen Nitz. In a survey of 92 school nurses CCSD, 96% of the respondents indicated that mobile vision services that provide free eye exams and glasses at school will benefit students in the schools they represent. When asked to identify barriers preventing families from accessing care with a vision specialist after a referral, 71% checked transportation, 72% lacked money, and 72% lacked knowledge regarding access to care. The VTL model solves these healthcare access issues by bringing services at no charge to the student, family, or school, directly to the students in school. 

When Nurse Nitz announced the launch of the program at a CCSD school board meeting, it prompted a standing ovation from the entire school board and school administration. The program will continue to help students in CCSD and plans to offer services to neighboring Berkeley County and Dorchester County school districts in the coming years. 

Sir Purr, Mayor John Tecklenburg, and Austin Beutner present a student with their new glasses.
Sir Purr, Mayor John Tecklenburg, and Austin Beutner present a student with their new glasses.

Supporters:

Batson and Diane Hewitt
Carolina Panthers Charities  
Ceres Foundation  
Charleston County
City of Charleston 
City of North Charleston 
Duke Endowment 
First Citizens Foundation  
Hal Cottingham  
Henry & Sherry Blackford  
Henry B. Smythe Family 
Ingevity
John M Rivers Jr. Foundation  
Linda Plunkett & Amanda’s Fund
Motley Rice, LLC  
MUSC Health
MUSC Health Storm Eye Institute
MUSC Children’s Health 
Peter Kellogg Family Foundation  
Post and Courier Foundation 
Roper St. Francis Physician’s Endowment 
Russell Holliday  
SC Physician’s Care Charity 
Scott Phillips 
Stacy & Rana Jordahl  
Steve and Emily Swanson
The Dollens Family   
The Duke Endowment 
TRUIST Foundation  
Volvo  
Walmart  

Press: 

Vision To Learn celebrates launch in Charleston County
Seeing is Learning
Launch of Vision To Learn Program in Charleston

Contact: 

Vision To Learn, South Carolina
Roberto Hernandez, Program Manager
Questions or concerns: southcarolina@visiontolearn.org

Masked student with new glasses
South Carolina students post in front of mobile clinic

Vision To Learn
12100 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1275
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Vision to Learn's Profile on Guide Star

Questions or concerns:
Visit our contact page
Lost or broken VTL glasses?
Visit our glasses page

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Recognized by

White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics Seal
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
California Teachers Association

Vision To Learn is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
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