EyeMed Vision Care, Vision Council Foundation Expand Partnership for Second Year

Key Takeaways

EyeMed Vision Care and The Vision Council Foundation are extending their strategic partnership into a second year, deepening a joint effort to raise awareness about the critical role comprehensive eye care plays in overall health and wellbeing.

According to a joint release, building on a successful first year, the collaboration is expanding its reach to engage broader and more diverse audiences with accessible, practical vision health information. The initiative aims to empower individuals of all ages to take a more proactive approach to maintaining their eye health.

A focus of the renewed partnership is the launch of an "Eye Health Engagement Series," which broadens the initiative beyond grade-school education to include adult audiences and age-related vision concerns. The series will spotlight the often-overlooked links between eye health and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, emphasizing how routine eye exams can support early detection and coordinated care.

Additionally, the series will address vision issues more common in aging populations, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Organizers say the goal is to provide resources that promote lifelong vision health and improve awareness of conditions that can significantly impact quality of life over time.

The expanded partnership also coincides with the release of the fourth installment of EyeMed’s Vision Curriculum Kit, titled Lens Technology: The Science of Refraction. Developed in collaboration with The Vision Council Foundation, the interactive educational series introduces students to the fundamentals of eye health while encouraging interest in careers within the optical industry. The newest kit is available for free download or shipping, joining a growing library of educational tools.

“Our ongoing collaboration with EyeMed Vision Care reflects our shared commitment to advancing education and strengthening the future of the optical industry,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council. “Together, we’ve introduced grade school students to the world of vision and opened meaningful conversations around career opportunities in optical. To date, 144,000 Vision Curriculum Kits have been developed and distributed, equipping educators, professionals, and parents with resources that help younger generations understand the importance of caring for their eyes.”

Beyond classroom initiatives, the organizations are also investing in workforce development. They recently co-hosted a webinar titled "Fueling the Future: The Next Generation of Eye Care Professionals," which brought together industry experts to discuss workforce trends, talent development strategies, and pathways to support emerging professionals in the field.

“We are proud to continue this collaborative effort with The Vision Council Foundation,” said Matt MacDonald, President of EyeMed Vision Care. “The eyes can be a window into overall health, and eye exams can uncover important insights that extend beyond vision alone. Through this partnership, we are helping broaden eyecare awareness and encouraging individuals to take an active role in caring for their health.”

Originally published online on Eyewire+.