It's not something you'd expect, but behind the walls of Wallkill Correctional Facility are dozens of inmates trying to serve the community. In part one of "Inmate Education," Caitlin Landers introduces us to the men that make some of the eyeglasses you or someone you know may be wearing.
SHAWNANGUNK, N.Y. -- When Oneil Ojeda makes eyeglasses, he's thinking of his child.
"I have a 10-year-old that needs glasses," said Ojeda, a Wallkill Correctional inmate. "And in order for him to see the things that he does, the work that he's doing and all of that, he needs glasses. We didn't know that at first."
Ojeda is involved in a program that's been here since the 1960s. Inmates learn how to make eyeglasses, and then they're shipped off to the people who oftentimes can't afford them.
"The main buyers that we provide for is New York State Medicaid," said Wallkill Correctional training supervisor John Raw. "We provide for all of the institutions in New York State. We do some psych centers. We also provide a lot for New York City schools."
From the moment the prescription is received, inmates spray, shape, examine and put together the lenses that become a pair of glasses.
Thousands are made every year. Many in the program tell us they think it's a valuable service to give back to the community.
"I broke the law, I belong here, and I've accepted that. And I'm grateful that I have this opportunity to be here," said inmate Keith Jorgensen.
For Ojeda, it's seeing his son's need for glasses in school that makes him put his time and energy into helping other kids.
"Me? Given the opportunity of coming here, and doing this type of work, especially for the children? Has no price, it has no value. It's priceless," Ojeda said.