Dayton Children's Hospital and Boonshoft Museum of Discovery join forces to provide solar eclipse glasses to the community

UPDATE: As of 2/27/24 at 4pm, we have maxed out our supply! Thank you to everyone who requested glasses. Keep following Dayton Children's for more fun content related to the eclipse as we get closer to April 8! 

Dayton Children's Hospital is excited to announce its partnership with the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery to offer solar eclipse glasses to the community in preparation for the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8.

With a shared commitment to promoting education and safety, both institutions aim to enhance the community's experience of this rare event.  

Beginning today, individuals can request a set of four solar eclipse glasses to share with their children and family members. Alongside the glasses, recipients will receive a comprehensive packet of information containing: 

• Eclipse facts from the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery 

• Safety guidelines and best practices for viewing an eclipse from the Dayton Children’s ophthalmology and optometry team 

• Suggestions for engaging with loved ones during this memorable event from the experts with Dayton Children’s On Our Sleeves movement for children’s mental health  

Luxme Hariharan, MD, chief of ophthalmology and chief population health officer at Dayton Children's Hospital, emphasized the importance of eye safety during the eclipse, stating, "While witnessing a solar eclipse can be a breathtaking experience, it's crucial to safeguard our vision. Proper eye protection, like the solar eclipse glasses provided through this initiative, ensures that families can enjoy the event safely." 

Parker Lynch, planetarium manager at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, shared insights into what the community can expect on April 8, saying, "The April 8 solar eclipse promises to be a remarkable, once in a lifetime event for the Dayton region. With the moon passing between the Earth and the sun, creating a path of totality for our community, it's an event that offers both wonder and scientific learning opportunities." 

Families interested in obtaining solar eclipse glasses can request them at childrensdayton.org/eclipse while supplies last. Dayton Children’s encourages early registration to ensure availability for as many families as possible.