North Charlotte Today

Life has become clearer for many school-aged children in the Carolinas, thanks to a new initiative. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation has partnered with Vision to Learn to provide eye care services at no cost to students and their families in Mecklenburg and Charleston counties.

Students from kindergarten through eighth grade have received prescription eyeglasses, allowing them to see clearly for the first time. "There was one kid over there that had glasses on," said Panthers rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace during a celebration event. "He was like, 'I can see now!' I was like, that's amazing."

This week, representatives from the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Football Club joined Vision to Learn and The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation in providing eyeglasses to over 250 students. These included more than 175 students at Matilda F. Dunston Elementary School in North Charleston, South Carolina, and over 80 students at Renaissance West STEAM Academy in Charlotte.

Austin Beutner, Founder of Vision To Learn, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "More than 3 million children across the country go to school every day without the glasses they need." He added that every child should have access to necessary eyewear for success in school and life.

The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation has committed $1.5 million over five years for this cause. Nicole Tepper highlighted education as a core pillar of their work: "Our children deserve the ability to see the future in front of them."

Renaissance West STEM Academy Principal Orlando Robinson noted the program's impact on students who lack regular access to eye care: "Our students are thrilled to get their new glasses with the help of the Panthers and Charlotte FC."

Matilda F. Dunston Elementary School Principal Stephanie Mitchell expressed her gratitude: "It's been amazing seeing every student...get vision care from Vision To Learn."

Athletes from both sports teams participated in events encouraging proper eye care among students. Wallace shared his own experience with bullying due to wearing glasses but emphasized its benefits: "I could see!"

Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang praised the initiative: "It's great...you shouldn't be ashamed of it."

Vision To Learn operates a comprehensive school-based program for children's eye care in the Carolinas. Since launching in Charlotte in 2019, it has helped nearly 105,000 children by providing eye exams and glasses at no cost.

Pete Silverman from Vision To Learn estimated that with this partnership, around 30,000 kids will be screened on-site at schools annually, with approximately 8,500 receiving glasses.

Silverman acknowledged The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation's support: "We could not have done that without [their] support."

In South Carolina alone, an estimated 200,000 students lack necessary eyewear—a number now gradually decreasing through these efforts.