Vision Screening in K-12 Schools

Introducing Vontélle Eyewear

Vontélle is a luxury eyewear brand specializing in bespoke textiles and prints inspired by the African Diaspora, featured on optical frames and sunglasses for both adults and children. We offer sizes tailored to diverse facial features, provide prescription services, and offer customizable lens colors and tints, including blue light blocker lenses.

We believe that undiagnosed or untreated vision issues can hinder a child’s educational success. That's why Vontélle is committed to providing vision screenings and prescription eyewear to K-12 students in NYC schools.

Many children struggle in class because they can’t see the board, read textbooks, or complete assignments due to poor vision. Too often, this issue is misinterpreted as a learning difficulty or behavioral problem. The significance of providing eye exams and eyewear to children in public schools cannot be overstated, especially for those who may not have access to eye doctors due to unforeseen situations. Some parents may face challenges such as limited time, financial constraints, lack of insurance coverage or unstable housing. Vontélle is committed to bridging this gap by visiting schools and providing these essential services. Our ultimate goal is to empower children to succeed by addressing their vision needs.

From our numerous conversations with teachers, principals, and other administrators, it’s clear there is a need for an alternative to the current vendors providing in-school vision screenings and prescription eyewear for K-12 students. Vontélle is dedicated to transforming the eyewear experience for children by offering stylish, comfortable options designed with their unique needs in mind. We prioritize fit for diverse faces, featuring a wider bridge for the nose, longer temples for a secure fit, and wider lenses to accommodate high cheekbones. Our in-school collection is affordably priced, addressing the challenges faced by underserved communities. We understand that students are more likely to wear their glasses if they feel comfortable and confident in them. At Vontélle, we believe every child deserves the respect and pride that comes from choosing eyewear they love.

Vontélle is seeking funding to hire a part-time optometrist/optician and purchase vision screening equipment for use in K-12 schools beginning Fall 2024. This support will also enable us to scale our program, allowing us to increase the number of schools we can serve each week.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in 2019 20% of children aged 6–11 years wore glasses. Among those aged 12-17 that rate was even higher at 35.3%. We know that those numbers are only going up. Now, consider that York City has the largest public school system in the United States with over one million students in almost 2,000 schools. Given the 40-week school year and Vontélle's ability to scale up from one to multiple school visits a week, the opportunity for this program is significant. 

Ms. Tracy Green, Co-Founder & CEO at Vontélle Eyewear is a former Chief Financial Officer at various NYC hospitals and at the NYC Department of Education. She has amassed a strong professional career which has developed her leadership skills, business, and financial acumen due to her oversight of many initiatives used by NYC residents to this day.

Ms. Nancey Harris is the Co-founder and COO of Vontélle Eyewear, a transformative, luxury brand that celebrates the diversity and beauty of different cultures, with an emphasis on fashion, fit and function. Prior to launching Vontélle, she was a sales executive at Paramount (BET, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon), and BLACK ENTERPRISE. Nancey worked as EVP of Wendy Williams Productions and was also Executive Director of The Hunter Foundation.

Ms. Kelsey Lovelace, Web & Graphic Designer at Vontélle is a creative designer who has worked with several independent companies, building websites, creating designs, and innovating packaging seen around the world, in Target stores and in commercials. 

Mr. Steven Davis, Operations Manager at Vontélle, has a rich and diverse background of experience in a number of fields, which has equipped him with skills in customer service, inventory management, data migration and quality assurance to name a few. 

Ms. Leone Sandness is a seasoned Content Brand Manager with 12 years of experience in the high-end retail fashion industry. She has held key positions at BCBG Max Azria, including Retail Operations Coordinator, Operations Manager and IT Project Manager. Recently, she has enhanced her expertise by earning a Content Writing Certification from eCornell, bringing a refined skill set to her role in crafting compelling blogs, newsletters and product descriptions.

Ms. Jagdeen Phanor coordinates Partnerships and Grants at Vontélle. She is a seasoned professional with a remarkable career trajectory spanning diverse fields.  With over two decades of experience in New York City Government, Jagdeen served as the first female, African American Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Department of Youth and Community Development. In this role, she skillfully managed agency spending, optimized revenue streams, and fostered collaboration cross-functionally among peers, superiors, communities and city officials. 

Ms. Brigitte Abrahams, Social Media Manager at Vontélle, is a skilled marketer who has worked with diverse clients, crafting engaging content, managing social media, and driving brand growth across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and more!

Ms. Vanetta Mayers is the Marketing Director at Vontélle. She has over 18 years' experience in Digital Marketing across various channels including affiliates, influencers, performance marketing, social media, ecommerce and website launch project management. Vanetta has worked at global organizations including Scholastic, CJ Affiliate and THG and as a freelance marketing consultant.

Our Mission & Vision

Vontélle is dedicated to creating culturally celebratory designs that showcase global textiles, boldness, and beauty for all ages. We are focused on transforming the eyewear experience for children, especially those in underserved and low-income communities. We believe that healthy vision is essential for academic success. Your funding will help Vontélle expand our in-school vision screening and prescription eyewear program. Thank you for your support! Visit us at www.vontelle.com.