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AINAK, a Silicon Valley-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free eye exams and prescription eyeglasses to under-resourced students and underserved communities, celebrated its 5th Anniversary on Sunday, October 26, at the Joan Pisani Community Center in Saratoga.
Susan Ellenberg, Santa Clara County Supervisor, said, “AINAK’s work exemplifies the kind of community partnership that changes lives. Their commitment to improving access to vision care helps children perform in school and adults maintain their independence — this is the essence of public health equity.”
The event underscored AINAK’s mission of “Empowering America with Vision, One Individual at a Time,” celebrating five years of life-changing impact across Silicon Valley. The celebration recognized AINAK’s official partnerships with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and many school districts across the county, as well as its recent grant from the County of Santa Clara, awarded by Supervisor Susan Ellenberg to expand vision services for students and seniors in need.
Poonam Goyal, Founder and Executive Director of AINAK, said, “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 62 million people in the U.S. lack vision insurance or access to eye care and eyeglasses, and about one in four preschool-aged children has an undiagnosed or untreated vision problem. These conditions can severely impede learning and development without timely exams and glasses. AINAK’s mission is to bridge this gap through free, community-based services to ensure that every individual, especially children, has the chance to see clearly and reach their full potential.”
Since its founding in 2020, AINAK has grown to provide more than 5,000 pairs of free eyeglasses annually to ensure that no child or adult is left behind due to lack of access to basic eye care. The nonprofit partners with local schools, nonprofits, and service agencies to offer on-site vision testing, optometry services, and prescription glasses at no cost.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra added, “Access to quality vision care should not depend on income or zip code. AINAK’s dedication to serving working families across our region is a model for compassionate, community-driven health outreach.”
Since 2020, AINAK has launched its on-site vision testing, optometry services, and prescription eyeglasses, all provided at no cost to the public. The nonprofit serves individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on school-aged children through vision screenings conducted directly at school sites across Silicon Valley. On-site screenings that catch vision problems early are a critical step in helping students stay engaged and succeed, explained Poonam Goyal.
“As someone representing East San José,” said San Jose City Councilmember Peter Ortiz,” I deeply value organizations like AINAK that bring vital health services directly into our neighborhoods. Their outreach promotes health equity and has created pathways to success for families in my District.”
Nearly 100 community members and leaders attended the event, including Ash Kalra – California State Assemblymember, District 25, Susan Ellenberg – Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 4, Peter Ortiz – Councilmember, City of San José, Tina Walia – Council Member, City of Saratoga, Sheila Mohan – Councilmember, City of Cupertino, Murali Srinivasan – Councilmember, City of Sunnyvale, Dr. David M. Toston, Sr. – County Superintendent of Schools, Katie Rodriguez, RN, PHN, BSN – District Nurse, Sunnyvale School District and Patricia Reguerin – Executive Director, Escuela Popular.
Community Partners that support AINAK include the Rotary Club of Saratoga, Star One Credit Union, R2 Giving Fund, Sunday Friends Foundation, Sacred Heart Community Service, Dress for Success San Jose, Los Arboles Literacy & Technology Academy (Franklin-McKinley School District), LifeMoves, Prince of Peace Saratoga, allcove, ActiveAge Fitness, Step2Growth, and the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
Dr. David M. Toston, Sr., Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, said, “Our partnership with AINAK reflects our shared belief that vision is foundational to learning. It is important that we help students see the world — and their future — more clearly.”