• April 17, 2015
About two years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that East’s Optical Program had recently begun to offer free glasses and repairs for RCSD students and, occasionally, other members of the community. To provide a learning experience, ophthalmic fabrication teacher Logan Newman had his students expertly make me two high quality pairs. East’s Optical Program helping students see a brighter future
When I went back this week for new glasses (time for bifocals!), I was unequivocally impressed. Before me was a classroom on which every desk had a lensometer (used by opticians to measure lens power) and a blocker holding lenses and hand tools. In two short years, “Vision Care East”–as the program is called–has grown by leaps and bounds.
As explained to me by Logan, first year students in the program learn to make a single vision pair of glasses, like my reading glasses. From knowing nothing about glasses, they are soon able to take measurements, read lenses, cut and mount them into frames. Second year students learn about bifocals (like I now have) and progressive lenses, and work with 
volunteer eye doctors who provide refractions for students needing prescriptions. During this school year, using donated frames and purchased lenses, Logan’s students have made glasses for over 270 needy kids in grades K-12 in 12 different schools in the RCSD. And for students the glasses are free!
On my way out, I showed off my bifocals to two security guys. One man, praising my new look, chimed in that Logan’s class had also made him equally attractive glasses. Along with students learning invaluable skills, add two more to the growing list of those who have benefited from Vision Care East.
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