Many more public school students will get free vision screenings as well as free glasses donated by the New York-based company Warby Parker, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday.
It's part of the city's investment in 130 community schools, which offer more social and health services than traditional schools.
"Over the next four years every, every community school student, every student in all 130 community schools will get a free eye exam," the mayor announced at P.S. 50 in East Harlem, which is among the participating schools.
Several community schools, including P.S. 50, already offer vision screenings. But city officials said an additional 65,000 students will get them through this expanded service. Vision problems can often lead to difficulty at school and there are estimates that 20,000 students at the 130 community schools (about 20 percent) may need glasses in the next four years, but many of them don't realize it and families sometimes can't afford them.
The city will spend $10 million over four years on basic screenings plus more thorough eye exams. Warby Parker will donate a pair of glasses to each child who needs them. The high-tech eyeglass company already offered free glasses to some schools in low-income communities when city officials asked for help with the community schools.
"If this program is successful, which we hope it will be, our hope is to expand it to all students in need in New York City," said co-founder and co-C.E.O. Neil Blumenthal.
Students, like regular customers, will be allowed to pick out their own frames. Both the mayor and Chancellor Carmen Fariña saluted the company for making glasses that look cool enough for kids to wear.
"For many of our kids, it could be a stigma if it's not done right," said Fariña, who gamely tried on a red pair of frames.
The de Blasio administration increased the budget for its 130 community schools, which include 94 struggling schools that are also taking part in the Renewal program. In addition to the health care and social services they will get by becoming community schools, Renewal schools will also have a longer school day starting this fall and more professional development.
When asked about the increase for both Renewal and community schools, de Blasio cited their importance to his vision for schools citywide. "We obviously believe they are central elements to our approach to education, and we intend for them both to succeed."
De Blasio appeared cheerful at the Wednesday event, and declined to answer reporters' questions about the decision by Albany leaders on Tuesday to grant him only a one-year renewal of control over the city schools.
"I'll have plenty to say when the session is over," he said, adding that he wanted to wait until legislators were finished dealing with rent and housing issues.