Columbus residents in need can receive free eye exams and glasses this week through the eye insurance company VSP Global.
Its program, Eyes of Hope, will try to serve 1,000 people before leaving Ohio, said Mobile Eyes Operation Manager Lori Fanning. Its stop in Columbus is part of a tour through 10 states in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Fanning said she wants to help uninsured and underprivileged people.
"They go get a job, now they can see to drive, children can see to read or see the leaves on the trees because they don’t know they can’t see it before they get a pair of glasses," Fanning said.
Anthony Inthavongsa got new glasses through the program today. He’ll be a freshman at Briggs High School this fall, and his old glasses were taped together after being broken six times.
"It's going to improve because I can see now so I can be able to do a lot of things," Inthavongsa said. "Read the board and sports and stuff."
The mobile clinic will be at the Glenwood Community Center on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then move to St. Stephens Community House on Friday and Saturday.