Durham Charter School Celebrates Nearly 400 Students Receiving Free Glasses Through Vision to Learn

Durham, NC - September 23, 2026 - Durham Charter School is proud to announce its partnership with Vision to Learn, which provided more than 400 Durham Charter School students with free eye exams and glasses. The partnership was celebrated on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 through a pep rally that featured the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, including Panthers legends Damiere Byrd and James Anderson, the Panthers' Top Cats cheerleaders, and the teams' beloved mascots, Sir Purr and Sir Minty, who joined Durham Charter School's own mascot, Lester the Lion, to cheer on students.

“We are incredibly grateful to Vision to Learn and the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation for providing free vision screenings and eyeglasses to so many of our students. We were astounded that more than 40% of students screened needed glasses,” said Alex Quigley, Executive Director of Durham Charter School. “Through the gift of new glasses, our students can truly focus on the future. This partnership builds on our school’s commitment to removing barriers and supports our mission to ensure that every one of our students thrives in college, career, and life.”

Vision to Learn delivers eye exams and glasses directly at school during the school day, removing common barriers like cost and transportation. As of August 2026, the organization has conducted more than 165,000 vision screenings, provided over 56,000 eye exams, and distributed more than 50,000 pairs of glasses across the Carolinas - part of a national effort addressing the more than 4 million children nationwide who go to school without the glasses they need.

The celebration comes on the heels of a $3.4 million multiyear commitment the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation recently announced to expand Vision to Learn's reach across North and South Carolina, including the Raleigh-Durham region. The gift brings the Tepper Foundation's total investment in Vision to Learn since the partnership began in 2019 to more than $5.2 million and is expected to bring eye care to more than 40,000 additional students across the Carolinas.

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About Durham Charter School

Durham Charter School serves approximately 1,400 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Durham, North Carolina. In 2026, Durham Charter School earned a 99.7% growth score and a school report card grade of 'B' making it among the top 1% of public schools in North Carolina.

Learn more at www.durhamcharter.org.