Two organizations give elementary students a gift of clearer vision

KAILUA, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Some East Oahu elementary students may have an easier time studying after getting free eyeglasses Tuesday.

Project Vision, in partnership with Vision to Learn gave 20 Kailua Elementary School students free eyeglasses. The students are just some of the more than 500 children across Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island that have received free eyeglasses thanks to the two organizations.

"How do you educate a student if they aren't well and healthy and if they can't see?" Assistant DOE Superintendent Suzanne Mulcahy said.

To date, the two organizations have conducted about 1,000 eye exams for Hawaii keiki.

"It feels awesome to see the world in a whole new light," fourth grader Rylee Wellbaum said after getting his news glasses.

Vision to Learn and Project Vision Hawaii aims to provide under-served communities with access to eye screenings and other eye-care services.

"Something simple like dealing with a very basic health issue can completely change somebody's performance in the classroom," Mulcahy said. "With a simple pair of glasses, a student could begin to learn, move into different classes or be on the honor roll."