Vision To Learn

Helping Central Iowa Students Get the Glasses They Need.

During a child's first 12 years, 80% of all learning is visual.

Without the ability to see clearly, thousands of central Iowa students struggle to read. And students who are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. 

Vision To Learn provides two free pairs of eyeglasses—one pair to take home and one to leave at school—to students who need them. After an initial screening, a licensed optometrist completes a full vision exam for students who would otherwise not receive vision care.

One small thing, glasses for a student in need, can lead to so many bigger things: feeling confident, being able to more clearly see the world around them, the potential to read proficiently by the end of third grade, a higher likelihood they'll receive their high school diploma, and a better chance to thrive for the rest of their lives.

Child trying on eyeglasses
  • 95%

    of first graders in low-income communities who need glasses do not have them.

  • 89%
    of kids served by Vision To Learn live in poverty.
  • 87%
    are students of color.

Vision To Learn is Sponsored by

prairie meadows grey

 

 Athene_Logo-1

 

Vision To Learn is also sponsored by:

  • Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
  • Des Moines Public Schools
  • IBEW Local #55
  • Prevent Blindness Iowa
  • Variety - The Children's Charity
  • Vision To Learn Iowa
  • West Des Moines Public Schools