Hogeschool Utrecht and the Municipality of Utrecht extend their collaboration to provide children from families with a U-pass free eye examinations and glasses if needed. In the Netherlands, one in five children under 18 years old, approximately 634,000 children, need glasses. Unfortunately, childrens glasses are usually not reimbursed and are unaffordable for many families. However, practical experience and research show that providing free childrens glasses not only increases equal opportunities but also pays off socially and financially.
Reimbursement under the Health Insurance Act would be logical given the benefits. As long as this is not yet arranged, local schemes like this offer an efficient alternative with direct impact on equal opportunities.
Lizet van Ewijk, associate lecturer and one of the program leaders at HU HEALTH&WELL at Hogeschool Utrecht: “I am pleased that the importance of our project for children and society is recognized and that we can continue the project. With the continuation of this collaboration, we create a win-win: we reach more children, students learn in practice, and we show that investing in childrens glasses yields equal opportunities and societal value. As shown by our research, every euro invested in childrens glasses yields at least €3 to €5 in social benefits. Through better school performance, less grade repetition, and lower healthcare costs.”
Alderman Linda Voortman (Work and Income): “No child should be hindered in their development because there is too little money at home. An eye test and suitable childrens glasses can make the difference between disadvantage and opportunity. Therefore, I find it essential that children from low-income families have barrier-free access to this. It is good that we have been able to continue the great collaboration between the Municipality of Utrecht and Hogeschool Utrecht and thus give children a good start.”
Results so far
Since the start of the glasses project by Hogeschool Utrecht (HU) and the Municipality of Utrecht in early 2025, 113 children have been examined at the HU HEALTH&WELL Centre and 92 children received glasses. More than a third of these children previously did not have glasses, although they needed them. According to parents, glasses would not have been affordable without this scheme.
Research report Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
From the research report published last week by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), it also appeared that thousands of children in the Netherlands do not have glasses, although they need them. And that tens of thousands of children wear glasses that are unsuitable for them.
The research, commissioned by VWS, involved scientists from the eye sector and various organizations, including Mirjam van Tilborg and Lizet van Ewijk from HU.
Help and contact – Municipality of Utrecht
Visiting address
Stadsplateau 1
3521 AZ Utrecht
Postal address
PO Box 16200
3500 CE Utrecht