Free glasses program saving families’ budgets

Students have been given free glasses through a charity program, saving families hundreds of dollars, as they buckle under the soaring costs of basic healthcare.

One in five children are struggling in the classroom due to an undiagnosed vision impairment. Picture: Wayne Taylor

A rising number of Victorian families are turning to charities to reduce the financial pressure that comes with purchasing glasses for their children, as household budgets buckle under cost-of-living pressures.

Not-for-profit organisation State Schools’ Relief (SSR) has reported its highest demand for welfare assistance in almost a century, including a surge in requests for its vision care program.

One in five children are struggling in the classroom due to an undiagnosed vision impairment with this having further impacts on their schooling and academic performance.

In an attempt to not have to choose between day-to-day essentials and their children’s health, parents and schools are turning to SSR for support with basic eye care.

Run in partnership with the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, SSR’s vision care program offers free or bulk billed eye tests and prescription glasses through the OPSM network.

The program has provided glasses to more than 960 children and has supported more than 5000 Victorian state school students since 2019.

SSR chief executive Andrew Cameron said vision impairment could affect the lifelong learning capabilities of a child if left unaddressed, which was why the program was so important.

“Clear vision is essential for children to effectively learn, engage with their environment, and interact socially,” he said.

“Early detection and correction of vision issues not only enhances academic performance but also fosters better social integration and lifelong learning.

“By offering eyewear at no cost to students or their families, the program promotes educational equity, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

In the past year alone, the program has provided glasses to more than 960 children and has supported more than 5000 Victorian state school students since 2019.

Kananook Primary is one school that has had up to 50 students receive glasses through the program, with Assistant Principal Stuart Gilchrist a witness to the “difference” the program can make to families who require support.

“Through programs like this, it enables families and students to be able to quickly access an eye test and glasses if requested, without them having to worry about the financial implications that would normally go with this process,” he said.

“I’ll never forget one student who was falling behind in class – not because she couldn’t understand the work, but because she simply couldn’t see it.

“Once she got her glasses, it was like a switch flipped. She’s more focused, her learning has improved, and she’s so proud she can now keep up with her classmates.”

Kananook Primary is one school that has had up to 50 students receive glasses through the program.

Mum Christina has two children who wear glasses and said the program has helped her save upwards of $500 per pair.

“The glasses are of great quality and fit and I would recommend any family that requires assistance in obtaining glasses to access the program through their child’s school to help their children’s vision thrive,” she said.

Another mother, Kylie, whose daughter has to see an ophthalmologist for a lazy eye, said the program’s support has helped her take some financial pressure off each time she needs a new script.

“We also had an incident where Ashlee’s glasses got damaged in the playground. That unexpected incident meant we needed another pair of glasses and a very unexpected expense that could have been costly if not for the help of this program,” she said.

Parents can speak to their school for more information on SSR’s vision care program.

Originally published as Free glasses program saving families’ budgets