8-09-2024 12:00pm

FREE GLASSES RETURN

Vision To Learn Returns to the Library

Baltimore County Public Library is proud to partner with Vision To Learn for a sixth year to offer free eye exams, and provide glasses if needed, for youth 17 and younger. The nonprofit is making a historic 27 stops at 17 branches between Tuesday, June 18, and Monday, August 19. If glasses are required, further examination is provided by a licensed optometrist. The child is then able to choose from a limited selection of youth and adult frames. The order is processed, and the new glasses arrive within two to three weeks—parents are notified. The entire process, including the glasses, are free to families.

Working together since 2018, skipping 2020 due to the pandemic, Vision To Learn has performed 926 exams and has provided 559 glasses to families in Baltimore County. This is critical for our communities where families may not be able to obtain a pair of glasses on their own. A 2021 study from Johns Hopkins University showed that students who received glasses significantly improved academic success the following school year.

"Partnering with Vision To Learn to provide free eye exams and glasses to children in need aligns with our goal of fostering lifelong learning and growth. Libraries are more than just places to borrow books; we are community hubs where everyone can access the resources they need to succeed. This includes offering this essential vision service, to ensure every child has clear vision heading into the new school year,” said CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine.

How to Register

Pre-registration is required for the visits and because space is limited, the spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting July 1, families can now register themselves for an appointment at the branch of their choice. Once registered, a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form available at the branch either before or on the day of the appointment. Each appointment is 10 to 15 minutes, which includes an exam, glasses selection and equipment cleaning between patients.