Other Area School District Collaborations

Norristown Area School District

In 2013, a vision care team from The Eye Institute of Drexel University started providing comprehensive vision care services to economically disadvantaged children enrolled in the Norristown Area School District (NASD), a suburban school district outside of Philadelphia. A rotating school-based vision clinic was established in a space at one of the schools in the district. The Eye Institute’s (TEI) vision care team examined children one to two days per week in the school until all children who were in need of care were seen. The vision clinic was then moved to another school to continue rendering care to children in need. The “Looking Out for Kids” charity fund, Norristown community partners, and foundation grants provided the financial resources needed for these valued services. During the 2025-2026 academic year, TEI’s vision care team screened 508 children, provided 220 comprehensive eye exams and 426 pairs of glasses on-site for NASD students.

Hear from Norristown school nurses:

Davenport Elementary

"The Vision Van was able to examine and provide glasses for 21 children who really needed
glasses. Some of the students have been referred for consecutive years and had not obtained
glasses. This program helps uninsured students see better to learn everyday. The second
grade screenings diagnose vision impairments for our students and refer them for vision care in
a timely manner."

Musselman Learning Center

"The Drexel Vision Program is invaluable to the students at the Musselman Learning Center. Our building services many of the youngest students in our district as they begin their academic experience and setting them up for success is critical. Many of our students do not have access to vision services and the Drexel program fills a critical void for our families in need."

Blockson Middle School

"The Drexel Vision Van is vital to our schools. It provides free eye exams and glasses,
catching vision problems early and preventing future vision loss or problems. Many
students would otherwise go without care. Clear vision boosts learning, confidence, and
success. This service removes barriers and helps every student see a brighter, more
successful future."

East Norriton Middle School

"Seeing the work the Vision Program does for children in need in NASD is truly heartwarming.
They are changing lives by bringing support, kindness, hope and the gift of vision to families
who need it most. Their mission is inspiring, and the positive impact they create in the
community is undeniable, Thank you!"

Cheltenham, Jenkintown and Abington, Souderton School Districts

Our vision care team also provided eye care to children in Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Abington and Souderton school districts with the University’s Mobile Vision Care Unit in the 2025-2026 academic year. The “Big Red Bus,” as it is affectionately nicknamed, includes all the essential equipment needed to complete a comprehensive vision exam. Using the mobile unit, 518 eye exams were performed and 587 pairs of glasses were dispensed to children in these school districts.

Upper Darby and Chester-Upland School Districts

In Delaware County, TEI conducted eye exams for children in the Upper Darby and Chester-Upland school districts. In those districts combined, 215 eye exams were performed and 394 pairs of glasses were dispensed to children in need during the 2025-2026 academic year.