But how can you learn if you cannot see clearly? When a child cannot see clearly, their education and confidence suffer. 

No child should struggle to learn simply because they cannot see the blackboard.

55000 kids are enrolled in Phuket schools, and 30% of them cannot see clearly.

For many families in Phuket, the cost of eye examinations and prescription eyeglasses is out of reach.

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach Lenses for Learning program bridges this gap and provides eyeglasses to underprivileged children. By partnering with local schools and through professional on-site screenings, we ensure that local students receive the vision care they need.

The procedure

We bring professional optometrists directly to the school grounds to test students. 

That way they do not have to miss valuable classroom time and parents do not have to miss time from work to bring or collect them.

Next, children who have been identified by their teachers as needing eyeglasses but unable to afford them, may select their own high-quality frames. Then custom prescription lenses are made for them.

Handover Day

A highly anticipated event. Our team then returns to the schools for a ceremony to hand-deliver the brand-new eyeglasses. A joyful celebration and photoshoot with the children, teachers and parents.

We don’t stop at one school.

Our team organizes multiple vision drives throughout the school year to reach communities most in need.

From the initial eye test to the final pair of custom eyeglasses, everything is provided 100% free of charge to the children and their families.

Unlocking children’s full potential

With this ongoing program the Rotary Club of Patong Beach has already proudly changed the lives of almost 3000 Phuket children.

Recent milestone 

170 pairs were distributed in August 2026 alone. 

Help change a child’s life today.

Even a small contribution makes a permanent impact. Every single Baht donated goes directly toward testing a child’s eyes and crafting their custom eyeglasses.

Help make a difference by supporting this program and use the Donate button to contribute.

Rotary’s Lenses For Learning program Manager is Joe Gerardi.