Imagine a classroom where every child can see the board clearly, read their favorite books, and explore the world with bright, healthy eyes. For 60 years, Vizavance has been making this vision a reality for Oklahoma’s children—and now, they’re celebrating a milestone that’s nothing short of extraordinary: six million children screened, and twelve million eyes given a brighter future.
A Legacy of Vision and Partnership
Since its founding, Vizavance (formerly Prevent Blindness Oklahoma) has been on a mission to advance children’s education through better vision. This year, they’re marking a record-breaking achievement, thanks in large part to a nearly 40-year partnership with the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Masons. Together, they’ve provided free vision screenings to children as young as six months old, all the way through high school.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Every screening is a chance to catch vision issues early—problems that, if left undetected, could hold a child back academically and socially. For families in need, Vizavance goes a step further, offering vouchers for free eye exams and glasses.
Innovation for Every Child
In 2011, local Masonic lodges helped bring cutting-edge technology to Oklahoma’s schools by raising funds for 17 Spot™ Vision Screener cameras. These devices are game-changers, especially for pre-verbal children or those with disabilities who can’t use traditional eye charts. With a quick scan, potential vision issues can be detected as early as six months of age.
When some of these cameras needed replacing in 2019, the Masons stepped up again, donating $40,000 to keep the program running strong. As Dianna Bonfiglio, Vizavance’s president and CEO, puts it: “Our vision screenings identify issues that can seriously hamper a child’s ability to succeed academically if left unidentified. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without the Masonic partnership, great volunteers, and supportive communities.”
A Partnership That Changes Lives
The partnership between Vizavance and the Oklahoma Masons is the oldest of its kind for the Masons—and one they’re deeply proud of. “We have proudly provided more than $5 million to fund vision screenings for millions of Oklahoma children,” says Don Stanton, Grand Master.
Looking Ahead
As Vizavance celebrates its six-millionth child screened at Rosewood Elementary in Broken Arrow, the message is clear: healthy vision is the foundation for a bright future. Vizavance remains the only nonprofit in Oklahoma solely dedicated to advancing children’s education through better vision.
Every child deserves the chance to see the world clearly. Thanks to Vizavance and the Oklahoma Masons, millions more can.
