See to Succeed celebrates vision, partnership, and brilliant futures for area students | Community
Hundreds of Houston-area students took a clear step toward brighter futures this week as the Houston Health Foundation’s See to Succeed program kicked off its first clinic of the 2025–2026 school year with a special celebration at its Heights location on Tuesday, Oct. 21 — marking both National Vision Awareness Month and a milestone year for the program that has helped more than 120,000 children see better since 2011.
The event featured remarks from Mayor John Whitmire, Houston Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Tran, Houston Health Foundation President & CEO Robin Mansour, Aramco Americas President & CEO Ahmad Al Mulhem, and former See to Succeed student Hung Ngo, who shared a powerful, full-circle moment that illustrated the lasting impact of the program.
“I want to thank See To Succeed for helping me out… it was a decade ago. I was actually in the seventh grade then. I didn’t even know I needed glasses,” Ngo told the audience. “I remember walking down specifically that hallway where we are now. I walked in and there were so many cheers and I felt so welcomed to be a part of the services that you provided. That’s when I got my glasses and I realized that I’ve been excelling without one of my senses and now imagine what I can do when I have one more. I want to thank you guys so much. Now I’m graduated from UH Sugar Land in Biotechnology and I want to pursue PA School so I can give back to my community. This has been a full circle moment for me.”
Expanding Vision for Houston’s Children
See to Succeed, administered by the Houston Health Department (HHD) and supported by the Houston Health Foundation (HHF), provides free comprehensive eye exams and glasses to students aged six to 18 who are prescreened by school nurses across 16 Houston-area school districts. During the multiday clinic, approximately 1,200 students are expected to receive exams and new glasses — a vital tool to support academic performance and overall well-being.
“See To Succeed, which is generously supported by Aramco, is really something that mobilizes people to understand that we are all part of the greater good in Houston,” said Dr. Theresa Tran. “What better way to do that than by what we’ve done and what we continue to do. See to Succeed has now generously served more than 120,000 students across Houston but we’ve got a lot more work to do. There are up to 40,000 students each year whose needs have gone unmet and who need See To Succeed and we’re able to capture about 10,000 of them each year.”
Partnership with Purpose
As a Visionary Partner, Aramco Americas has long supported the program through its volunteer network and community initiatives. This year, the company announced a new partnership connecting See to Succeed with the Houston Public Library Foundation, resulting in the creation of the See to Succeed Reading Room — where students can take home a free book after their eye exams. The initiative includes a donation of 500 books, reinforcing the connection between healthy vision and lifelong learning.
Houston Health Foundation Board Chair William “Billy” Burge, Houston Health Foundation President & CEO Robin Mansur, Mayor John Whitmire, President & CEO Aramco Americas Ahmed AL-Mulhem, Houston Health Department (photo by Terry Halsey, courtesy of Aramco)
Mayor John Whitmire praised the program and its partners for their enduring commitment to Houston’s youth. “I can testify Aramco and its officials will have a great story to tell when they’re asked ‘what did you do with public service?’ We’re seeing this morning what a great city we have,” Whitmire said. “Other large cities have challenges, like all major cities, but while many of them are in turmoil, look at what we’re doing in Houston, Texas today. We’re helping children see better so they’ll be successful. It’s a great honor to be here on behalf of 2.3 million Houstonians.”
Building Brilliant Futures
The Houston Health Foundation’s Brilliant Futures initiative includes five key programs that address essential health needs for children and youth, including vision and oral health. Through See to Succeed, HHF continues to expand access to healthcare, education, and opportunity — ensuring that every child has the tools to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Students try on new eyeglass frames during the See to Succeed clinic, where each participant is fitted with corrective lenses at no cost thanks to the Houston Health Foundation, Houston Health Department, and Visionary Partner Aramco Americas. (Submitted photo)
More than 20 Aramco volunteers are assisting with the clinics throughout the week, continuing a long-standing tradition of community service. With partnerships like these, Houston Health Foundation leaders say the future looks even clearer.
For more information on See to Succeed and other Brilliant Futures programs, visit houstonhealthfoundation.org.
