Greenhalge Elementary School Free Eye Clinic: Lowell, MA
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, a team of 30 volunteers arrived at Greenhalge Elementary School in Lowell, MA, where each year, 50–60 children fail vision screening and go without critical follow-up care. Greenhalge is home to nearly 500 children - many from refugee and immigrant families - who face quiet, everyday obstacles to health care that most of us never imagine.
The LASA (Love All Serve All) Foundation, in collaboration with the Sri Sathya Sai Centers of Greater Boston, assembled a dedicated team of seven medical professionals in eye care – board certified ophthalmologists, optometrists, and an ophthalmic technician – from leading institutions such as Boston Children's, Tufts Medicine, and UMass. This free “point of care” clinic model brings volunteer medical providers directly into the school setting, removing major financial and logistical barriers to families whose children have little access to eye care.
With a seamless flow of love and compassion, a total of 46 students, including eight families with special needs children, were seen by seven providers during six hours. Out of 46 students, 42 students needed prescription glasses. For all the 42 families, eyeglasses were arranged in an expeditious manner, with costs completely covered for uninsured families and no additional cost to insured families. Four students needed urgent follow-up for serious eye conditions that was arranged within two weeks at the Boston children’s hospital (Peabody campus). Two of these received vision saving treatments and are back at school doing well. A few adults who sought screenings were directed to the LASA Free Medical Clinic held in April 2026.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of 30 volunteers made the day possible, with weeks of planning, careful coordination, and an early morning setup ensuring that every family was warmly welcomed and every student moving through the clinic with ease. These non-medical volunteers (20-23) from Sai Unity Center, including young adults, handled vital clinic operations that led to a smooth and efficient student flow throughout the day. The team oversaw registration, consent, intake, vision testing support, checkout, interpretation services, logistics, and catering. The organizers also ensured compliance with HIPAA and child safety guidelines.
By offering free, high-quality eye exams in a familiar and welcoming environment, the clinic removed financial barriers for families and ensured early identification of vision problems. It reinforced the principle that timely intervention supports academic success and long-term well-being of the children, strengthening the community as a whole. Both the school and families alike expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers who look forward to continuing this service to the Lowell community.