BOSTON—20/20 Onsite, a Boston-based mobile eyecare company, is partnering with Southbridge Public Schools (SPS) and the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts to provide comprehensive eye exams and glasses to SPS students at no cost to their families through the “Vision for Southbridge” program. 20/20 Onsite’s licensed optometrists will visit schools throughout the spring and fall of 2024, and all students in participating schools, from preschool to high school, are eligible to receive eye exams at no cost, regardless of their insurance coverage.

Students who fail a vision screening can receive an eye exam in 20/20 Onsite’s Mobile Vision Clinic as well as prescription glasses, dispensed by 20/20 Onsite, for those in need of corrective eyewear. Any student needing eyeglasses will receive a pair for free, according to the company.

“I am very grateful to the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts and 20/20 Onsite for bringing this powerful program to the students enrolled in Southbridge Public Schools. Providing quality vision care and eyeglasses to students is an important part of ensuring all children have access to a high-quality education,” said Southbridge Public Schools receiver/superintendent Dr. Jeffrey A. Villar.

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Board of Directors approved a $55,000 grant to support the Vision for Southbridge program. “We are proud to support this project with the Southbridge Public Schools and 20/20 Onsite to bring much-needed vision services to students in an area where access to comprehensive eye examinations, vision care and prescription eyeglasses is challenging for many families,” said Dr. Amie Shei, president and CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. “We anticipate this initiative will help create a pathway to longer-term sustainability so that Southbridge students have access to vision services not only now, but in the future as well.”

“We are immensely proud to expand our school-based program and provide essential eyecare services to students in need in Southbridge,” said Sonali Bloom, CEO of 20/20 Onsite. “With the launch of our Vision for Southbridge program, we aim to touch the lives of more students and create a lasting positive impact on their educational experience and beyond.”