Zenni, Stokes and Bring Change to Mind Support Student Wellness
Eyewear company Zenni Optical, actor Chase Stokes, and nonprofit Bring Change to Mind partnered to provide free vision care and mental health programming to nearly 300 New York City high school students.
Zenni Optical, actor Chase Stokes, and nonprofit Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) have collaborated to offer free vision care and mental health support to students in New York City, aiming to enhance overall student wellness.
The initiative took place on October 7 at Manhattan Early College Academy, where Zenni and Stokes provided free vision screenings and exams to close to 300 students. Participants also received eyewear from the Zenni x Chase Stokes collection, fitted with EyeQLenz™ with Zenni ID Guard™ lenses. Students from MECA’s BC2M Club led a group activity focused on mental health and wellness.
Results from the screenings indicated that over half of the students examined required new or updated prescriptions, highlighting a significant need for accessible vision correction. Veronica Alcaro, VP of Brand at Zenni, emphasized the role of clear vision in academic engagement. "At Zenni, we believe clear vision should never be considered a luxury," Alcaro stated.
The partnership coincided with World Vision Day on October 8 and World Mental Health Day on October 10, drawing attention to the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Actor Chase Stokes underscored the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. "Taking care of your health means taking care of the whole person, and that includes both your vision and your mental wellbeing," Stokes said.
Bring Change to Mind facilitated discussions to foster open dialogue about mental health among students and challenge stigma. Pamela Harrington, Executive Director at BC2M, noted the significance of interconnected wellness. "Giving young people the tools and space to prioritize their wellbeing can make a meaningful difference," Harrington remarked.