Armistead Gardens

Ms. Heather Higgins
School Social Worker

It was such a pleasure to work with Vision to Learn again this year at Armistead Gardens School. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to provide glasses to so many of our students. One of my favorite days of the year is glasses distribution day. It’s so fun and exciting to watch our students put glasses on for the first time and be able to see clearly. It’s truly a wonderful program that we are incredibly proud to be a part of.

When Amari, a pre-K student looked at himself in the mirror for the first time with his glasses on, he said “Wow, I look handsome”.  Yes, he does!

Sharp Leadenhall Elementary/Middle School

Ms. Rhonda Friedman
Community School Site Specialist

As an advocate for student well-being, I am proud to share my support for Vision for Baltimore and the profound impact it has had on our school community.

Vision for Baltimore ensures that students receive free vision screenings and, when needed, prescription eyeglasses directly in their schools. This removes a major barrier for many families who may not have the resources or access to follow up on vision concerns. At Sharp Leadenhall, we’ve seen firsthand how this program transforms students’ ability to engage in learning. Students who once struggled to focus on the board or read materials in class have shown remarkable improvement in both academic performance and confidence after receiving glasses.

This program is more than a health intervention; it’s an equity initiative. By meeting a basic need, Vision for Baltimore helps level the playing field so that every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

I strongly support the continued work and expansion of Vision for Baltimore and urge others to recognize the life-changing power of a clear vision for our students.

Frederick Elementary

Justin Brown
Community School Coordinator

We’re deeply thankful to Vision To Learn for bringing their mobile vision clinic to Frederick Elementary. Because of their generous support, more than 50 students received free eye exams and brand-new glasses—right here on campus! Their partnership is helping our scholars see more clearly and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

National Academy Foundation

Fred Gaddy
Community School Coordinator

I’m truly grateful for the Vision for Baltimore program and the partnership with NAF School. The support provided to our students through free vision screenings and glasses has made a real impact—helping many of them see the board clearly for the first time, boosting confidence, and improving focus in the classroom.

One student in particular stands out. He was constantly squinting and losing focus during lessons. After receiving his glasses through Vision for Baltimore, his whole demeanor changed. He started participating more, his grades improved, and he even told me, “I didn’t know the world looked like this!” That moment reminded me how important access and equity are in education.

It’s programs like this that break down barriers and make learning more accessible for all. Thank you for being part of our village at NAF School #421!

Tunbridge Public Charter School

Kara Fossett
Community School Coordinator

We love when Vision for Baltimore comes to Tunbridge! The staff are always so nice and welcoming to our students! Teachers and students alike are excited when the mobile van arrives on our parking lot! Any questions from our families are always answered promptly-the staff again are encouraging even when the students seem hesitant to embrace their new look. They are always organized and helpful to our student body! Thank you Vision for Baltimore for being an amazing part of our community!

ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School

Sherri Weaver
Grants Administrator

Inspired by the students (especially the difficult ones) that have received glasses over the years. The hard work and dedication that Ms. Ray at ConneXions does to reach out to students and the families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford testing or glasses is immeasurable.

—Poem—