September’s Focus: Sports and Eye Safety
Sports and Eye Safety: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness in children in the United States — and most of these injuries happen while kids are playing sports. The good news is that wearing the right protective eyewear can prevent 9 out of 10 sports-related eye injuries.
What is protective eyewear?
Protective eyewear is eyewear made of ultra-strong polycarbonate, a type of plastic that’s very impact resistant and also protects eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Types of protective eyewear for sports include safety goggles, face guards, and special eyewear designed for specific sports.
Darryl Shaw Is Our 2027 Person of Vision
Preserve Vision Florida (PVF), the state’s premier nonprofit committed to vision screenings and eye health education, has selected Darryl Shaw as the recipient of its 2027 Person of Vision Award.
The award will be presented to Mr. Shaw, the 60th honoree, at the Person of Vision Award Dinner, Wednesday, February 3, 2027 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, when PVF will also celebrate its 70th anniversary. A reception at 6 p.m. will be followed by dinner, toasts, and the award presentation starting at 7 p.m.
A driving force behind the Ybor City historic district revitalization, Shaw perfectly embodies the values and impact the Person of Vision Award was created to recognize. “When considering who we might honor at this signature event, Darryl’s name was top of mind, given the vision he has created for Ybor City and the considerable work done, underway and forthcoming to fulfill that vision,” said PVF Board Chair Kevin Bakewell.
Reserve Now for the POV Award Dinner
You can support the mission and work of Preserve Vision Florida by participating in our Person of Vision Award Dinner, scheduled for February 3, 2027, when we will honor Darryl Shaw as our 2027 Person of Vision and celebrate our 70th anniversary.
Sponsorships from $10,000 to $35,000 may be reserved through our President and CEO, Joanne Lighter. Email her or call her at 813-874-2020. Please call or email if you require an invoice and/or a W-9 form.
Online reservations are now open.
If you prefer to register by mail and pay by check, download a printable form here.
How Well Do You Know Your Eyes? Take the Quiz
Do you know the differences between myopia, amblyopia and presbyopia? Are you clear on the ways you can help — or hurt — your eyes? Take our quiz to find out how well you understand your vision and how to protect it.
Preserve Vision Florida Receives Data Support
The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County has provided a grant of $10,000 to create an enhanced database to track and strategically analyze client services. Addition of comprehensive database software will enhance Preserve Vision Florida’s ability to continue to serve over 12,000 Hillsborough children and adults annually through expanded and robust reporting capabilities. The software also will help the identification of population demographics and zip codes. This will allow Preserve Vision Florida to strategically map its screening event patterns to identify geographic opportunities, as well as strengthen the ability to analyze client needs, including referral rate trends.