Nonprofit gives free eye exams
Hendrix Mullen’s guardian, Sandra Somple, of Portersville, said the 5-year-old is most likely going to need glasses, but it is a little too soon for him to get his first pair.
On Thursday, Mullen got his vision checked by eye doctors with the national nonprofit Vision to Learn, which brought its mobile office to Slippery Rock University Center for Engagement, Empowerment, and Development (SUCCEED), to offer free eye exams to children up to age 18.
“It’s a blessing to us,” Somple said. She said she brings her children once a year because one of them needs glasses.
The Vision to Learn van was parked outside SUCCEED on Main Street from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., to examine the eyes of people who registered ahead of time, but the staff also took some walk-ins.
Susan Bowser, assistant director of SRU’s Institute for Nonprofit Leadership, said SUCCEED’s associate director, Josette Skobieranda Dau, brought Vision to Learn to Butler to fill a need in the local community.
“We brought Vision to Learn here because they offer free eye exams to give families an opportunity if they may not be able to afford them for their kids,” Bowser said. “We’re trying to eliminate poverty in the city.”
Bowser said seven people signed up for eye exams ahead of time. Vision to Learn has chapters all over the country, and several throughout Pennsylvania.
Mara Babilya, project manager for Vision to Learn, said the Western Pennsylvania chapter typically travels to schools to give exams and glasses to students who don’t pass their school-given exams.
Tara Franz, optometrist for Vision to Learn, said an average of about 25 to 30 percent of students fail their eye exams at school.
Babilya said the nonprofit also visits churches, boys and girls clubs, and other community organizations, but its most common duty comes from partnering with school districts.
“For schools we are totally booked up through November,” Babilya said. “Schools have to test kids every year, so we basically go nonstop with schools.”
Kelley Neumann, optician for Vision to Learn, said walk-up clinics typically see people bring all of their children. Because the organization also offers replacement glasses for up to a year, Vision to Learn is popular for families with several children.
“For community events like this, it’s usually families who come,” Neuman said. “A lot of people still have vision insurance, but they may want to take advantage of a walk-in.”
Babilya said Vision to Learn has had a lot of requests to replace broken glasses this summer. She also said the exam environment in the van is actually fun and comfortable for the children, who enjoy seeing a full setup in the tight quarters.
Additionally, Babilya likes seeing a child find a pair of glasses that speaks to their personality.
“We have a lot of glasses to choose from,” Babilya said. “I like when the little kids come, because they like to pick colorful glasses; the older kids usually go for plain black.”
