The Victorian Government has hit a major milestone in its mission to support student learning and ease cost-of-living pressures, with 10,000 pairs of free glasses now delivered to Victorian students through the Glasses for Kids program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced the achievement during a visit to the Victorian College for the Deaf, highlighting the program’s impact on students’ ability to learn and thrive.
The initiative provides free vision screening and, where needed, further testing and prescription glasses for participating Prep to Year 3 students. For families, this can mean savings of up to $600 per child, depending on the type of vision issue.
“Vision shouldn’t be a barrier to learning,” Mr Carroll said. “Too many kids fall behind in school because of undiagnosed and treatable vision problems – and 10,000 students now have the glasses they need to stay focused and succeed.”
One student who has benefited is Toby, a Year 7 student at the Victorian College for the Deaf. Previously unable to access an optometry clinic without an Auslan interpreter, Toby received an eye test at school through the program, uncovering short-sightedness and dramatically improving his ability to see and communicate.
The program was tripled in size with a $6.8 million boost in the 2024/25 Victorian Budget, expanding access to 770 eligible schools and 74,000 more Prep to Year 3 students through to 2027. In 2024 alone, 110 schools were visited, more than 6,700 students received vision screenings, and over 1,800 pairs of glasses were provided.
Delivered by State Schools’ Relief, the program targets students in disadvantaged areas and is part of a broader suite of initiatives aimed at reducing financial stress for families. These include free school breakfasts, dental check-ups through Smile Squad, affordable uniforms, free swimming lessons, and free pads and tampons in government schools.
“From free glasses to free dental check-ups and free breakfasts, we’re providing real cost-of-living relief to families with students in the Education State,” Mr Carroll said.
How can your school get involved?
Schools can check eligibility and register for the Glasses for Kids program through State Schools’ Relief. For more information, visit education.vic.gov.au or contact your regional Department of Education office.
