The Impact Our Programs Have, One Family at a Time
Our starpupils™ Children's Programs reach about 400,000 children and provide over $200,000 in free eye exams and glasses each year.
In addition, we have served thousands of adults with our awareness and assistance programs, providing glasses for many who have then been able to get jobs and raise their families with the benefits of good vision.
Some comments from those whose lives have been affected by our programs are shared below.
"When the kids come back and show me their glasses and tell me how different the world appears now, I just get the chills. They are more excited about going to class because they realize they no longer have to struggle to see the board. It is amazing!" ~Esther, School Nurse, Prince William
“I am extremely thankful and grateful for your help. Thank you for helping people like me, and in so doing, making the world a better place. Your work gives hope to others. There is nothing more precious than one’s eyesight. Thanks again, and may God bless you as you continue your mission of helping others.” ~Sheila, Reisterstown, MD
"Our daughter's right eye was overcompensating for the left, which helped explain why she was having accidents (boom-I'm OKAY) throughout her day. Also when we walked together in a parking lot while holding hands, she would walk sideways. I could go on and on...but since she received her glasses...it's been a world of difference!" ~Parent of a student referred through W.H.E.E.L.S.
“You have an amazing program…What a world of difference you all have made.” ~Christopher, Hampton Roads, VA
“I want to tell you how much our association with your organization has meant to me in my job. Your staff has been wonderful. Your programs have been invaluable to students. Keep up the good work…” ~Michele, School Nurse, Richmond, VA
“Your organization has been wonderful to work with. We are blessed to have you. Thanks for giving my students the gift of good vision.” ~Judy, School Nurse, Virginia Beach, VA
“A friend told me how Prevent Blindness helped him, and he told me to get in touch. I am so grateful. Special thanks…” ~Sharrye, Baltimore, MD
“Your program recently helped one of my students…This young man is very bright, and I believe with his vision corrected he will truly soar academically. Thank you for all you do to help students.” ~Janet, Teacher, Virginia Beach, VA
“My new glasses were like a breath of fresh air when I put them on. I let out a big sigh of relief and couldn’t wait to immediately put them to work…” ~David, Baltimore, MD
“I thank everyone who has made this available to many and to me, to see my grandkids clearly…thank you so very much.” ~Wilma, Newport News, VA
“First pair of glasses for me. I want to thank you for allowing me to be able to see things as they should be seen.” ~Nathaniel, Baltimore, MD
"At the end of January, your program came to do a screening and you detected an Anisometropia (Arthur's right eye is nearsighted and his left eye is normal). We got him right to the ophthalmologist as a result of your screening and he had a shiny new pair of glasses that same day. Within a week of getting the glasses, he learned to ride a bike! Arthur has struggled a little this year in preschool and the glasses have really seemed to help. His confidence has been boosted, his concentration seems to have improved and it he's engaging more than he was. The glasses have also seemed to help his interest in learning to write and we're thrilled about that! We were worried that he might not like his glasses, but he loves them and we believe (hope) it's because they are really helping him.
The doctor explained that although his right eye will never be perfect, the glasses will help strengthen his right eye which had grown weaker as a result of the deficiency and the left eye's over compensation. Thank GOODNESS you found it when you did so we had the opportunity to correct it. She believes because of the timing that we can correct it with the glasses and probably no patching (although she hasn't ruled that out completely). THANK YOU! You've made a real difference in his little life." ~Arthur's Mother
"I am writing this letter to show my great appreciation for my glasses. I was very miserable without them and not complete, for me it was very hard to focus in school and I don’t feel I could of be myself . So I am very grateful and honor for the opportunity of have these glasses. Thank You." ~Keisha
“Having a child come to the clinic to show off their new glasses and to see the smile on their face when they realize what they haven't been able see - It just doesn't get any better than that. Thank you for providing this service to my students.” ~School Nurse in Hampton Roads
“Your program is a profound blessing on my students and their families and your services and assistance directly impacts student learning and family accountability. Learning and good health is what we are about. I shall always be grateful for the professional help PBMA gives.” ~School Nurse in Northern Virginia
"This is the first year in all my years in school nursing that I feel my screenings paid off because my kids are getting what they need. Thanks again." ~School Nurse in Hampton Roads
Click here to view results and comments from a January, 2011 survey of our school nurse partners
Thank you so much for helping us! My son is in 2nd grade and loves school...Without the reading glasses his eyes would get tired and he would have trouble focusing...Thank you for letting my son enjoy reading again! ~Tammy, Norfolk, VA
"[My son] is now making honor roll two out of three this school year and [my daughter] is also a huge improvement. We had to keep her back last year because of the issue with her and classwork and this year she is 97 to 100 in every category in class." ~A thank you message from a father with two children affected by our programs