Giving free eye exams to children ages 5-18
Hartford Public Library (HPL) has partnered with Vision To Learn again this summer to provide free eye exams for children ages 5 to 18. This initiative, which has the potential to transform the lives of our youngest community members, aims to ensure that all children have access to the eye care they need to succeed.
“We are thrilled to welcome Vision To Learn back this summer. The timing couldn’t be more perfect with our multi-collaborative Summer Reading Challenge. Summer reading and free eye exams are not just about providing resources but empowering our children to succeed,” said HPL President and CEO Bridget E. Quinn. “We are grateful for Vision To Learn’s free services so students receiving eye exams and eyeglasses will be better equipped to learn when they return to school this fall.”
Vision To Learn has been making a significant difference in Connecticut’s Alliance Districts, libraries, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Since its launch in 2022, it has visited 56 schools and community groups, providing more than 9,000 students with vision screenings, 5,100 with eye exams, and 4,500 with eyeglasses. This success is a testament to the power of community partnerships and their impact on our children’s lives.
Founded in 2012 by Austin Beutner, Vision To Learn is a nonprofit charity that provides children at schools in low-income communities with free vision screenings, eye exams, and eyeglasses. “Every child, in every school, everywhere in the country should have the glasses they need to succeed in school and life,” said Austin Beutner, Vision To Learn founder.
The mobile Vision To Learn clinic will visit 7 HPL locations throughout the city to provide no-cost eye exams and eyeglasses (if needed). To schedule an appointment on one of the dates below, please call the Library or sign up using the online form HERE.
Albany Library
1250 Albany Avenue
(860) 695-7380
Thursday, July 25 & Friday, July 26
Barbour Library
261 Barbour Street
(860) 695-7400
Friday, August 16
Camp Field Library
30 Campfield Ave
(860) 695-7440
Monday, July 29
Downtown Library
500 Main Street
(860) 874-2432
Monday, August 13 & Monday, August 19
Dwight Library
7 New Park Ave
(860) 695-7460
Monday, August 5 & Monday, August 12
Park Street Library @ the Lyric
603 Park Street
(860) 695-7500
Wednesday, August 14, Thursday, August 15
Ropkins Library
1750 Main Street
(860) 695-7520
Monday, August 26
Children ages 5 to 18 are eligible. No insurance is needed. Vision To Learn can provide one eye exam per child annually (365 days). We kindly ask you to arrive 5 minutes early to complete the paperwork. Your appointment may have a possible wait time. Your patience is appreciated. If prescribed, your child’s glasses will be provided at the library about 3 to 4 weeks later, and a date will be shared with you.
