A SIGHT TO SEE: The Glazer Vision Foundation

Providing Clear Vision for Success for Every Child

by Laura Byrne, photos provided by Glazer Vision Foundation

“With the gift of vision, anything is possible.” - Malcolm Glazer

These eight powerful words by Malcolm Glazer, late patriarch of the Glazer family, speak a truth that research has proven: Clear vision plays a vital role in a child’s education and success in life.

It’s estimated that as many as one in four children has a vision impairment and one in five cannot afford an eye exam. For the Glazer family, that’s one child too many. Healthy vision was personal for Glazer, who attributed his own success in life to the first pair of glasses he received as a child. Addressing vision struggles among children became the mission of the Glazer Vision Foundation, which was created more than 15 years ago to ensure that every child has access to an eye exam and glasses if needed. To date, the foundation has provided local children with 100,000+ eye screenings and 20,000+ glasses and counting. With interesting art tie-ins and initiatives such as bringing their To date, the Glazer Vision Foundation has provided 100,000+ EYE SCREENINGS 20,000+ GLASSES to local children. Mobile Vision Clinic with an onboard lens lab to schools, museums and community events, the Glazer Vision Foundation is stepping into the breach.

As we recognize Healthy Vision Month in May, it’s a reminder to families to schedule a comprehensive eye exam not only for their children, but themselves. This is also a time you and the family can get involved in the Glazer Vision Foundation’s important mission—and have fun while you’re doing it. Check out how a selfie and even an Instagram filter help put a child on a path to success.

ART FOR GOOD:

The Tampa Bay community loves and embraces art, which is why the Glazer Vision Foundation is using this visual medium to help raise awareness about the vision issues impacting children that often go undetected. But it’s not just artwork to see…it’s art to experience and share.

THE SUPER-SIZED GLASSES AND MURAL:

You may have seen colorful, largerthan-life glasses popping up all around town. They’ll be at the Florida Aquarium through May 14 and then at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from May 14 to June 4. If you spot them, take a moment to snap a selfie and share on social media with #OneShareOnePair and tag @glazervisionfdn, and the foundation will provide a child with a free eye exam and glasses!

You can do the same at the Glasses for All Children mural at Armature Works. The Insta-worthy mural greets you as you walk to the building from the parking lot. Stay tuned, because another mural is in the works in St. Pete. THE MOBILE VISION CLINIC

The Glazer Vision Foundation’s Mobile Vision Clinic brings doctors and nurses to kids in our community and has made visits to 60 Title 1 schools. The children receive an eye screening and exam if needed. Even better, the on-board lens lab puts a pair of glasses right into the hands of children before they head home for the day—all at no charge. Pretty cool.

Want to share right now? There’s a filter for that.

Who doesn’t love a really cool filter? We know kids do! Head over to @glazervisionfdn and tap on the smiley face icon to try the filter that will give you a selection of cool glasses and colors to choose from. Our editor Laura Byrne gave it a try! Be sure to share with #OneShareOnePair and tag @glazervisionfdn and, just like with the other pics, they’ll provide a child with a free eye exam and glasses.