Glasses for Classes – How a Pair of Glasses Can Prevent a Lifetime of Struggle

Imagine struggling to see the board at school, read a book, or walk safely—day after day—simply because you can’t afford a pair of glasses. For thousands of children in Uganda, this is their daily reality.

That’s why glasses are more than just corrective tools; they’re preventative healthcare. Our glasses for classes scheme provides eye tests and glasses for schools across Uganda, so every child has an equal opportunity.

The Problem: Vision Issues Often Go Undetected

In many rural communities in Uganda, access to eye tests is incredibly limited. Children who can’t see clearly are often mislabelled as “slow learners,” “clumsy,” or “disengaged.”

But in reality, they may just be living with untreated vision problems—which can lead to:

• Academic setbacks

• Social isolation

• Increased risk of injury

• Long-term vision loss

Our Preventative Approach: Glasses for Classes

At Humanity Direct, we fund school-based vision screening programmes through our Glasses for Classes initiative. We work with local health teams to:

• Screen thousands of children in rural schools

• Provide prescription glasses where needed

• Offer follow-up referrals for more serious conditions

By catching problems early, we prevent a small issue from becoming a life long barrier.

Why Glasses Are Preventative Care

Without early intervention, a child with short- or long-sightedness may:

• Drop out of school

• Suffer from permanent eye strain

• Become isolated or bullied

• Miss critical developmental milestones

In contrast, a £10 pair of glasses can restore confidence, unlock potential, and stop the cycle of disadvantage before it begins.

Join Us in Seeing the Bigger Picture

We believe that healthcare should start early and that includes sight. Vision is about more than seeing clearly. It’s about giving every child a fair chance to learn, grow, and thrive.