Estimates of homeless individuals who have vision problems range from 40 percent to 90 percent. Our experience indicates that approximately 76 percent of homeless adults have vision problems which necessitate prescription glasses.

Vision for Success provides glasses to homeless individuals through a partnership between the Low Vision Clinic and organizations that serve homeless individuals. The glasses alleviate the frustration of filling out job applications and reading the job section in the newspaper.

Most people readily recognize that food, clothing and shelter are basic human needs. Many take them for granted because they've always had them. A daily search for food and shelter is a daunting existence especially for those of us in the mainstream of society; we've never had to worry about these "basics". Vision problems, for most of us, are quickly addressed. The cost of the examination and subsequent glasses might only be a minor imposition; it does not generally interfere with our ability to provide these "basics". Not so for homeless individuals.

The Low Vision Clinic can only help homeless individuals reclaim their independence by regaining their vision with the generosity of others. If you would like to make a donation to the Vision for Success program or any of our other programs, please contact the development office at 214-828-9900 ext.212 or nsanders@dallasservices.org.