Structural coverage for children’s glasses may be on the horizon, but help is needed now

Hans Anders supports National Fund for Children in Need and helped around 250 children from low-income families get free glasses locally in the past year

The Dutch House of Representatives recently called for a solution for parents who cannot afford glasses for their children, after it became clear that 28,000 children in the Netherlands are currently without glasses despite needing them. Members of Parliament Dijk and Bushoff emphasized the urgency of accessible eye care for children in a motion calling for a structural solution for covering the costs of children’s glasses.

While political decision-making is still pending, Hans Anders, through a strong partnership with Kinderhulp (National Fund for Children in Need), demonstrates that immediate action can already make a difference: since the collaboration began in October 2024, 250 children from low-income families have received free glasses—including an eye exam, advice, and a two-year guarantee—and the number continues to grow daily.

A visible difference – Hans Anders and Kinderhulp pilot program

In October 2024, Hans Anders and Kinderhulp launched a pilot to provide direct support and gain insights into eye care for children growing up in poverty in the Netherlands. Survey results revealed a large but often invisible need, showing that children with poor eyesight are being helped in a tangible way. This underlines the importance of a structural approach and the visibility of such initiatives. Today, both organizations present the outcomes of this program, including an impact video and new insights that highlight the urgency. The message is clear: eye care should not be a luxury. Every child deserves good vision, even when their family cannot afford it.

• 250 children helped, aged 2 to 17 years.
• Average age: 12 years. Younger children are often still waiting for an ophthalmologist appointment.
• 40% received their very first pair of glasses.
• 13% had already needed glasses for over a year, 50% for at least six months.
• Most glasses were provided in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Almelo, but the program reached 91 municipalities nationwide.
• Parents reported reduced stress and shame: 67% felt relieved that the glasses were free.
• Reported benefits included: fewer headaches, improved school participation, and increased self-confidence.
• Many families said they had postponed buying glasses or had to rely on outdated prescriptions. Thanks to this initiative, children received glasses on time and could fully participate again.
• Schools and social organizations played a crucial role in identifying needs, often noticing first when a child required glasses and guiding parents to support.

Glasses that truly make a visible difference

For many families, what seemed like an impossible expense became a reality through this partnership: since October 2024, children in 91 municipalities could visit a local Hans Anders store for free glasses, including an eye exam, advice, and two-year warranty. Good eye care was not only made affordable but also accessible—close to home, from big cities to smaller towns.

“After my husband passed away, I had to raise my two daughters alone. When my youngest increasingly complained about headaches, I knew she needed glasses—but at the time, such an expense was simply out of reach. Thanks to Hans Anders and Kinderhulp, she was able to get the help she needed quickly, without me worrying about the costs. It gave us not just vision, but also peace of mind and confidence,” says Darina.

Darina’s story is not unique. In this video, she shares her experience, showing what a pair of glasses can truly mean for a child.

The figures highlight the urgency of accessible children’s eye care and emphasize the importance of initiatives like this, which provide immediate help to children from families with limited financial resources.

Equal opportunities start with clear vision

Eye care is not a luxury—it is a basic requirement for education and everyday life. Children who cannot see properly risk unnecessary setbacks. In families facing financial hardship, this often goes unnoticed for too long.

“Not being able to see properly as a child means missing out on opportunities. That’s something we want to change,” says Bart van den Nieuwenhof, CEO of nexeye, parent company of Hans Anders. “Our social responsibility is clear: making good vision accessible and affordable for everyone. We don’t just make glasses—we make a visible difference.”

“Every child deserves a clear view of a bright future,” adds Bernique Tool, Director of Kinderhulp. “That’s why we are so enthusiastic about this strong partnership. Hans Anders goes the extra mile for children growing up in poverty: with the warranty on children’s glasses, carefree play and development are possible.”

With this collaboration, Hans Anders is committed to accelerating structural change, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has access to quality and affordable eye care. The ambition is clear: making eye care accessible to everyone in the Netherlands.

View the impact video (in Dutch):

Photos available for download here:

Media kit: Een Zichtbaar Verschil - Samenwerking Hans Anders & Kinderhulp | Nexeye Newsroom

*These results are based on surveys among parents, intermediaries, and Hans Anders employees, as well as data and insights from the distribution of glasses in collaboration with Kinderhulp.