South Whittier School District students received free vision testing and free glasses through the Essilor Vision Foundation.
Dr. Larcabel, an optometrist at Norwalk Family Optometry, who is a local physician, partners with the foundation and has been visiting every school in the South Whittier School District. He and his team have provided vision testing for students and free glasses for students who show vision impairment.
During the vision exam students participate in a Snellen chart test and are each seen by the optometrist. Students who need glasses are then able to try on a variety of frames, pick the ones they like, and a few weeks later receive their brand new glasses at no cost.
The Essilor Vision Foundation’s motto is “Better Life Through Better Site”. Their causes believes that for the majority of children the barriers to care are awareness, access, and affordability. “Our mission is to provide good vision, while being dedicated to eliminating the barriers of awareness, access, and affordability.”
They believe that when a child has access to glasses they can succeed. “Vision is the most overlooked factor impacting a child’s success in school and in life. With clear vision, there are no limits to what they can achieve.”
The Essilor Vision Foundation partners with local physicians that can serve their local community. They provide physicians, like Dr. Larcabel, with low-cost resources so they are able to help solve the problem of vision impairment that can significantly affect a student’s learning.