We believe every child deserves to see the world clearly, no matter where they live. Recently, our team took our mobile vision van to a rural community event in New Mexico, and the stories we heard from parents reminded us exactly why our mission is so critical. In rural America, the barriers to pediatric eye care are staggering. We met families who have been forced to drive hours across state lines, face $500+ out-of-pocket costs due to insurance gaps, or get turned away entirely. Two specific moments from this event will stay with our team forever…
Patient First, Always: One parent shared that they previously drove three hours to a Medicaid-accepting provider, only to be turned away because their frightened, young child couldn’t sit perfectly still. They were asked to leave for disrupting the schedule. When they came to our mobile event, our incredible doctors worked their magic, met the child with patience, and completed a full, comprehensive exam with zero issues.
Breaking Financial Barriers: Another mother drove across state lines seeking care for her 2-year-old special needs daughter. While the child received an exam elsewhere, her extreme prescription meant custom glasses would cost over $500—an impossible expense for the family. Our team stepped in, fitted her with specialized Dilly Dally frames from our reserve supply, and ordered her glasses at no cost to the family. Even better? Thanks to our incredible partnerships, we were able to provide this little girl with a second pair of glasses completely free to ensure she always has a backup.
We are so proud of our doctors, our team, and our partners for showing up where it matters most. Together, we are changing lives, one prescription at a time.
To learn more about our rural vision initiative or find out how you can get involved, please visit our website
