Helping Houston kids see a brighter future
Kicking off the 2025-2026 annual Houston Health Foundation’s “See to Succeed” program (l to r) Billy Burge, Houston Health Foundation board chair; Robin Mansur, president & CEO, Houston Health Foundation; Houston Mayor John Whitmire; Ahmed AL-Mulhem, president & CEO, Aramco Americas; Dr. Theresa Tran, Houston Health Department Director.
Aramco volunteers helped students see a brighter future during National Vision Awareness Month in October through a partnership with the Houston Health Foundation (HHF) and its “See to Succeed” program.
Each year the annual program, administered by the Houston Health Department, provides free eye exams and glasses for 10,000 students from 16 Houston-area school districts to improve their academic performance with good sight and eye health vital for lifelong success.
“Seeing the smiles on their faces and excitement as they picked out new glasses and chose the frames and colors, was a reminder of how small acts of service can make a big difference,” said Christian Hamilton, accounting staff analyst, Finance.
More than 20 Aramco volunteers helped to check in and pre-screen students to prepare for their comprehensive eye exam. Volunteer Deitra Hubbard called it an incredibly rewarding experience.
Throughout the week of October 20, Aramco employees kicked off the first clinic of the 2025-2026 school year with 1,200 students receiving exams during the multi-day event. Aramco volunteers received advanced training and pre-screened students with depth perception and color blindness tests before moving on to a comprehensive exam with licensed optometrists.
The program is one-stop shopping as students move through various stations for testing and then select their own eye glass frames from a selection of stylish choices. Upwards of 92% of students are prescribed corrective lenses. The glasses are delivered to the student’s school where they are fitted by the nurse.
“This is where I wanted to be today,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire who attended the kickoff and toured the program, calling it a great example of what can be accomplished through public/private partnerships. Whitmire acknowledged the staff and thanked Aramco volunteers for being civic minded by serving the community.
The program is one-stop shopping as students move through various stations for testing and then select their own eye glass frames from a selection of stylish choices. Upwards of 92% of students are prescribed corrective lenses. The glasses are delivered to the student’s school where they are fitted by the nurse.
“This is where I wanted to be today,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire who attended the kickoff and toured the program, calling it a great example of what can be accomplished through public/private partnerships. Whitmire acknowledged the staff and thanked Aramco volunteers for being civic minded by serving the community.
Houston Health Foundation’s “See to Succeed” staff help with pre-screening of students. 1,200 students received exams during the program’s annual kick-off week, supported by Aramco volunteers.
“This is a full circle moment for me to be back in Houston,” said Aramco Americas President and CEO Ahmed AL-Mulhem who started his university studies in the U.S. at the University of Houston main campus. “What a great way for me to see firsthand the positive impact a grassroots program like this has in the community.”
Hung Ngo, a 2025 University of Houston graduate and volunteer, attended the event recalling how he benefited from the program nearly a decade ago. “It was seventh grade and realized that I was doing well in school but needed glasses.” Ngo now wants to become a physician assistant and give back to the community.
As one of HHF’s Brilliant Future partners, Aramco supports “See to Succeed” and the advancement of health and wellness and education in the community. It is one of the many programs Aramco supports in the Americas as part of its global Citizenship program.
Since the program began in 2011, more than 120,000 Houston-area children have received eyeglasses.
Hung Ngo, a 2025 University of Houston graduate and volunteer, attended the event recalling how he benefited from the program nearly a decade ago. “It was seventh grade and realized that I was doing well in school but needed glasses.” Ngo now wants to become a physician assistant and give back to the community.
As one of HHF’s Brilliant Future partners, Aramco supports “See to Succeed” and the advancement of health and wellness and education in the community. It is one of the many programs Aramco supports in the Americas as part of its global Citizenship program.
Since the program began in 2011, more than 120,000 Houston-area children have received eyeglasses.
