News from the AOA's Blog

Davis Vision launched its Focus on America® program’s national literacy initiative at Queens Library in New York to raise awareness of the connection between healthy vision and reading and school success. As part of the campaign, uninsured and underinsured children in communities across the nation will receive free vision services, free books and education on proper eye care. More than 100 AOA member ODs will participate in the campaign.

One-quarter of school-age children have a vision problem that may affect learning and 70 percent of fourth-graders cannot read at grade level. A pair of eyeglasses can mean the difference between academic struggles or failure, but eyewear may cost upward of $300, making these vision services important for children and families in need.

“Families turn to the Queens Library for so many things that contribute to their overall well-being,” said Jennifer Manley, director of Government and Community Affairs, Queens Library. “Through this partnership with Davis Vision that contributes to better vision care, our young customers have a better chance to access books, develop a love of learning and further their education.”

Next year, 26 of Davis Vision’s 52 free vision screenings will be held in libraries, where children will be encouraged to get their first library card.

At non-library vision screenings, books may be donated or “swapped” to keep the literacy component relevant at all events.

Partners in the “Bring a Book. Get a Book. See a Book.” campaign include Transitions Optical’s Bess the Book Bus, the American Literacy Corporation and libraries around the country.

“The literacy tie-in of our program is not just about promoting academic success, we want kids to develop a love for reading,” said Laura Dyer, Davis Vision’s assistant vice president of community relations. “Since 80 percent of learning takes place visually, proper vision care during childhood is imperative, and it is crucial to reading and writing.”