In 1986, Vizavance, formerly Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, approached the Oklahoma Masons seeking a small amount of funding to expand its Children’s Vision Screening Program. Vizavance already had been conducting children’s vision screenings for over 30 years. However, services were limited to the Oklahoma City area due to the lack of funding. It had always been Vizavance’s goal to provide services to children throughout the state, but that would take money and volunteers.

As conversations continued among Vizavance, the Grand Lodge, and the Masonic Charity Foundation, a natural partnership developed wherein Vizavance, would provide the screening expertise. The Grand Lodge would provide volunteers in communities throughout the state, and the Masonic Charity Foundation would provide funding.

A Joint Agreement was entered into on April 4th, 1986. It was signed by Rickard P. Kerrick, Chairman of the Vizavance, formerly Prevent Blindness Oklahoma Board, Wilson B. (Slim) Haney President of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, attested by Orin A. Shipp, Secretary of the Masonic Charity Foundation, and Joe R, Manning, Jr., Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, attested by John E. Shaver, Grand Secretary, and The Partners in Prevention Program was born.

Today, over 40 years later, the Masons are still partnering with Vizavance to provide vision screenings for children throughout the state. The Partners in Prevention is the oldest partnership of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, and over the years the vision of thousands of Oklahoma children has been saved.

Currently, 236 Lodges assist with screenings in their communities. The Oklahoma Masonic Charity Foundation has contributed over 4 million dollars to fund the Partners in Prevention Program since its inception, and over 5 million children have been screened for vision problems. Three organizations are working together with One Goal, One Vision, and One Mission, Advancing Children’s Education Through Better Vision!