AINAK marked its fifth anniversary with a celebration highlighting its commitment to providing free vision care to underserved communities in Silicon Valley.
AINAK, a nonprofit organization based in Silicon Valley, celebrated its fifth anniversary on Sunday, October 26, at the Joan Pisani Community Center in Saratoga. Founded in 2020, AINAK provides free eye exams and prescription eyeglasses to under-resourced students and underserved communities.
During the event, Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg praised AINAK’s efforts, stating, “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 anniversary celebration emphasized AINAK’s mission of “Empowering America with Vision, One Individual at a Time.” It also recognized the organization’s partnerships with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and various school districts across the county. Additionally, AINAK recently received a grant from the County of Santa Clara, awarded by Supervisor Ellenberg, aimed at expanding vision services for students and seniors in need.
Poonam Goyal, Founder and Executive Director of AINAK, highlighted the critical need for vision care in the community. She noted that 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. Furthermore, 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,” Goyal explained. “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 inception, AINAK has grown to provide over 5,000 pairs of free eyeglasses annually, ensuring that no child or adult is left behind due to a lack of access to basic eye care. The nonprofit collaborates with local schools, nonprofits, and service agencies to offer on-site vision testing, optometry services, and prescription glasses at no cost.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra emphasized the importance of equitable access to vision care, stating, “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.”
AINAK’s services include on-site vision testing and optometry services, particularly focusing on school-aged children through screenings conducted directly at school sites across Silicon Valley. Goyal explained that early detection of vision problems is crucial for helping students stay engaged and succeed in their education.
San Jose City Councilmember Peter Ortiz expressed his appreciation for AINAK’s work, saying, “As someone representing East San José, 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 anniversary event, including local officials such as Assemblymember Ash Kalra, Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, Councilmember Peter Ortiz, and others. Their presence underscored the community’s support for AINAK’s mission and its impact on public health.
Dr. David M. Toston, Sr., Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, remarked, “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.”
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, and many others. These collaborations enhance AINAK’s ability to provide essential vision care services to those in need.
As AINAK looks to the future, its commitment to delivering free vision care remains steadfast, ensuring that individuals in Silicon Valley can access the eye care they require to thrive.
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