Changing Life through Lenses

Essilor’s Changing Life through Lenses® Day at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®)

More than 10 million children and 90 million adults in the United States are at high risk for vision loss, and many more cannot afford eyeglasses. Poor vision is an obstacle to academic success — especially for children, as 80% of what we learn is processed visually.

As the community’s college, Tri-C has long been committed to addressing the needs of the Greater Cleveland region, including the needs of students and residents of the surrounding area. Tri-C has helped more than 400 patients see clearly while giving Optical Technology students real-world experience. Tri-C's Metropolitan Campus Optical Dispensary is a student-run clinic. During their second and third semesters, Optical Technology students gain experience managing an optical store. As part of their coursework, students design, fabricate and dispense free eyeglasses to those in need.

Tri-C took this commitment a step further in Fall 2022 by partnering with the Essilor Vision Foundation on a Changing Life through Lenses® event. On Oct. 11, 2022, the College provided free vision screenings and glasses to 73 community members. The estimated savings to these patients was more than $15,000. More than 30 volunteers supported the cause. Thanks are due to Dr. Chelsea Des Rosiers, Dr. John Novak and Dr. Josie Kosunick for the free vision screenings; the Essilor Foundation and Essilor team for materials; Darcy Downie of Prevent Blindness Ohio for supporting Tri-C’s Optical Technology program; and Tri-C alumni, students, faculty and staff for volunteering their time.

At Tri-C, we can — and do — change lives.

More than 90 million adults and 10 million children in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, but only half visited an eye doctor in the past year. Many more are unable to afford eyeglasses. This includes hundreds of people in Greater Cleveland.

Fortunately, charitable eye doctors around the country and in Northeast Ohio are stepping up to fill the gap — and Essilor Vision Foundation is leading the way. Their Changing Life through Lenses program provides those in need with a free pair of glasses, including frames and lenses, along with a free vision screening from a local eye doctor.