Archive by category "blog"

David Yates, 2023 Person of Vision

Thank you for joining us in honoring David Yates as our 2023 Person of Vision, and celebrating the life-changing work of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Person of Vision Award annually honors a Florida visionary who has had a profound impact on the community, region, state or world. David Yates was CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) from 2006 – 2020, where he Co-Produced Dolphin Tale and Executive Produced Dolphin Tale 2. CMA is internationally recognized thanks to these blockbuster movies, starring the aquarium’s most famous resident, Winter the dolphin, along with Harry Connick, Jr., Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Kris…

What It’s Like to Live With Low Vision

Kathi Wolfe’s recent essay in The New York Times, “A Smirk, a Smile, a Clenched Fist: What the Movies Taught Me to See,” identifies very clearly how a person living with low vision learns about images and eventually incorporates them into their lived experiences. Interestingly, she relates how for a person with low vision viewing something in the movies is a more powerful learning opportunity than experiencing it in real life. Living with low vision, I often must imagine the small details presented visually, since I cannot see details that fully sighted people might take for granted. Each subtle gesture,…

February Focus: AMD/Low Vision

Each year in February, Preserve Vision Florida observes Low Vision Awareness Month to increase knowledge about low vision and the vision rehabilitation services that benefit individuals with vision loss. The National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that “Low Vision Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about vision rehabilitation – and make sure that people with vision impairment know about the services available…” Vision rehabilitation includes a wide range of services that can help people with vision loss make the best use of the eyesight they have to maintain their independence….

Shocked… and Grateful

“I was shocked that Skylar had a vision issue. We may not have known for quite some time that our daughter needed special eye care, let alone glasses. I work with children every day and had no idea! We will always be grateful to Preserve Vision Florida for this screening.” —Jennifer Dunn, Center Director, Childcare of Brandon Town Center

More than 12,000 Vision Screenings Each Year

Did you know? In addition to dozens of vision screenings open to the public each year, Preserve Vision Florida provides screenings at more than 500 additional sites in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. This year, we expect to screen more than 12,000 children and adults. One in four children has vision problems. Early detection and correction help children see their bright future! Thank you all again very much. I was shocked that Skylar had a vision issue. We may not have known for quite some time that our daughter needed special eye care, let alone glasses. I work with children…

Coronavirus: How eyes may play a role in its spread

Our eyes might play an important role in the spread and prevention of the coronavirus outbreak seen throughout the world. To cut your personal risk of contracting the coronavirus, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. The mucous membranes that line various cavities in the body are most susceptible to transmission of the virus. Patients who have contracted the coronavirus may have ocular symptoms including Conjunctivitis – an inflammation of the membrane covering the eyeball. This is often referred to as “pink eye” and often presents as an infected/red, “wet and weepy” eye. Conjunctivitis is very contagious,…

January Focus: Glaucoma

Meet Amaia

Preserve Vision Florida screened her at the Children’s Board Family Resource Center in Brandon. Our team identified that she suffers from myopia, also known as near-sightedness. This is experienced as distant objects appearing blurry, while objects up close appear normal. Some symptoms associated with myopia may be headaches and eye strain. Without correction, Amaia would not be able to see well in a classroom to learn or play sports safely. PVF set up an eye examination with Optical Outlets and the doctor prescribed eyeglasses. Amaia can now see her bright future through her stylish glasses and will keep them safe…

Good News! Back to School

Preserve Vision Florida was invited to the Beth El Farmworker Back to School Bash, where we provided free vision screenings and follow-ups for children who need an eye exam and glasses. During the event, we also provided adult and child eye health and safety education sessions. These families learned how sunglasses protect children and adults from harmful UV rays that can cause vision damage including cataracts!

2022 Person of Vision: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor

Preserve Vision Florida honored Tampa Mayor Jane Castor as our 2022 Person of Vision on April 13. At that time, we also celebrated Preserve Vision Florida’s 65th Anniversary of providing vision services to Florida’s children and adults. The Person of Vision award annually honors visionary leaders who have had a profound impact on the region or the State of Florida through true community leadership and vision. Established in 1979, the Person of Vision Award has recognized visionary leadership in the arts, business, education, public service and community engagement. Recent recipients include: Banker and Chair of the State University System of…