Helping every child see the page.
Many children struggle to read not because they can't learn, but because they can't see clearly. It often goes unnoticed for years. See to Read brings books, read-alouds, and vision awareness to families with young children.
What we do
Reading and vision, together
Our events pair storytime with simple, practical eye health education. Caregivers leave knowing what to look for at home and where to go for care. Every child leaves with books of their own.
Interactive read-alouds
Storytime that gets kids talking, pointing, and joining in.
Free books to keep
Every child goes home with books of their own.
Eye health education
How vision affects early reading, and resources to support your child at home.
Our vision
A future where no child falls behind in reading because of a vision problem nobody caught.
- 01
Catch vision problems early
Help caregivers recognize the signs of poor vision before they hold a child back in school.
- 02
Connect families to care
Make sure families know where to go for eye exams and glasses, and that care is within reach.
- 03
Put books in every home
Build home libraries so children have stories to read with the clear sight to enjoy them.
- 04
Grow to more communities
Bring free events to more libraries and neighborhoods, alongside eye care and literacy partners.
For caregivers
Kids rarely say "I can't see."
Young children assume everyone sees the way they do. A child who can't see the page clearly may look distracted, frustrated, or "behind." Watch for these signs during reading and play.
- Squinting or tilting the head
- Holding books very close
- Covering or closing one eye
- Rubbing eyes or headaches
- Losing their place when reading
- Avoiding close-up activities
Noticed one of these? Ask your child's pediatrician or an eye doctor about a full eye exam. School screenings can miss some vision problems.
Events
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Our free family events bring storytime, books to keep, and eye health tips to children and caregivers. Follow us on Instagram to hear about the next one first.
Partners
Made possible with our community partners
- Wills Eye HospitalEye care
- Read by 4thPhiladelphia's early literacy campaign
- Free Library of PhiladelphiaHost library system
- LAMPLibrary of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians
Interested in partnering? See how to get involved.
Get involved
Help more kids see the page
We're just getting started, and every event runs on volunteers and community partners.
Help at our next event
- Greet and check in families
- Lead or assist read-alouds
- Hand out books and resources
- Set up and clean up
Bring See to Read to your community
- Libraries and schools hosting events
- Eye care providers and clinics
- Literacy and family organizations
Donate books
- New or like-new children's books
- Picture books and early readers for ages 4–9
- Book drives at work or school
Sign up to help
Tell us how you'd like to be involved and we'll be in touch about upcoming events.