FOCUS: Sanders-Clyde students are 1st in state to get group’s glasses

Students received free glasses from a California nonprofit. Photos provided.

Staff reports  |  More than 80 students at Sanders-Clyde Elementary School in Charleston are the first in South Carolina to get new prescription glasses thanks to a nonprofit called Vision to Learn, according to the Charleston County School District. The organization offers screenings, exams, and glasses to children in need in Title 1 schools at no charge to the students or their families.

“The younger ones wanted to pick out glasses in their favorite color and the older students were excited to actually be able to see,” said Allison Wukovits, nurse liaison for the school district. “We’re confident that we’re going to see improved behavior and grades as a result of this program. You can’t learn if you can’t see.”

Of the students screened, about one in three needed an exam and 80 percent of those students needed glasses, the district said.

“Since launching our South Carolina program at Sanders-Clyde Elementary, Vision To Learn has seen firsthand the extreme need for our program in Charleston,” said Roberto Hernandez, program manager of Vision to Learn Charleston. “Over a third of students did not pass a vision screening, and the vast majority of these students have never had an eye examination — even some fourth or fifth graders who’ve needed glasses for years — underlining the lack of access to basic vision care. 

“Charleston County is not alone in this.  We estimate 150,000 South Carolina kids go to school every day unable to see clearly. Our goal in future years is to grow the program’s reach so that students across the state can get the glasses they need to succeed in school and a connection to a local eye doctor for follow-up care.”

Blackford at right.

Long-time Charleston resident and retired banker Henry Blackford came across a PBS documentary news program about the Vision to Learn nonprofit and after partnering with MUSC Health, MUSC Children’s Health and the Medical University’s Storm Eye Institute, he brought the program to the state. He now serves as the primary fundraiser to make the program possible.

“When I watched the news segment, Vision To Learn struck a nerve with me,” he said. “I got in touch with the founder to learn more, visited their program in Charlotte and came back determined. The event at Sanders-Clyde is our first dispensing event and we’re excited to expand the program.”

Blackford said he has worn glasses his entire life and doesn’t know what he would have done without vision assistance.

“You can’t expect children to do well if they have uncorrected vision issues,” said Blackford.

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