PHILADELPHIA — Wills Eye Hospital has been selected by the City of Philadelphia to provide on-site vision care services to youth at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC). Licensed optometrists operate on a consistent, weekly schedule delivering comprehensive eye exams, diagnosing and treating vision conditions, and prescribing eyeglasses, as needed. The partnership brings critical eye health resources directly to juveniles at the Center, improving both facility safety and access to care.
“This partnership is centered around innovative collaboration that ensures vulnerable youth receive timely, high-quality vision care in a setting that is secure, accessible, and responsive to their needs,” said Dr. Julia Haller, CEO of Wills Eye Hospital. “By removing barriers to care, we are helping improve long-term health outcomes and quality of life for these young people.”
Early program data underscores the importance of this initiative. Since operation began on April 28, 2026, Wills Eye clinicians have examined dozens of residents, with a significant portion requiring corrective lenses. In just one week, 22 residents received vision exams and 11 pairs of glasses were ordered. Another reporting period found that 14 of 19 youths examined required glasses, highlighting the prevalence of unmet vision needs. Eyeglasses are provided at no cost courtesy of the One Sight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. The program includes repair and replacement services to ensure continuity of care.
The scope of services extends beyond basic vision screenings. Wills Eye clinicians evaluate and manage a wide range of ocular health conditions, including refractive errors, eye injuries, and chronic diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes-related eye issues. Care is provided multiple days each week, with flexibility to meet the operational needs of the facility.
“This partnership reinforces the City’s longstanding commitment to providing high-quality, specialized healthcare services to young people at the PJJSC,” said Kimberly Ali, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. “This partnership builds on that commitment by strengthening and expanding access to high-quality, youth-centered care, ensuring young people receive the specialized services they need to thrive.”
The partnership also includes regular reporting and coordination with facility staff, allowing for efficient scheduling and continuity of care in a complex, secure environment. Despite logistical challenges inherent to a juvenile justice setting, such as court schedules, resident movement, and staffing constraints, program reports highlight strong engagement from both residents and staff, as well as steady improvements in service delivery.
Wills Eye Hospital brings nearly 200 years of experience serving the Philadelphia community to this effort, along with a long-standing commitment to expanding access to care for underserved populations. The partnership with PJJSC builds on the organization’s broader outreach initiatives, including school-based vision screenings that have reached tens of thousands of children.
To learn more about Wills Eye Hospital, please visit www.willseye.org.
About Wills Eye Hospital
Wills Eye Hospital is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vision. As a trusted leader in ophthalmology, the clinical skill and innovative research of top-ranked, compassionate physicians combined with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities make Philadelphia a global destination for eye care. As an independent specialty hospital, with four regional surgical centers, Wills Eye serves as a comprehensive center for ophthalmology focused on patient care, research, and education. Founded in 1832 through a bequest by Quaker merchant James Wills and registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Wills Eye Hospital has consistently earned top national ranking on U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” survey.
About the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center
The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, operated by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, is Philadelphia’s only secure juvenile detention center. Youth are held at the PJJSC by order of the court while they await hearings or placement. The PJJSC provides supervision, high-quality programming, and an array of professional services.
— Courtesy of Wills Eye Hospital