Partnership with Lions World Vision Institute and Glazer Vision Foundation provided free eye exams and glasses to youth across Hillsborough County summer camp locations
For the second consecutive summer, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation partnered with Lions World Vision Institute and the Glazer Vision Foundation to bring free mobile vision services directly to children attending County summer camps. The Glazer Foundation's Mobile Vision Clinic, operated by Lions World Vision Institute, has helped hundreds of young campers head into the new school year with the clear vision needed to succeed.
Hillsborough County offers the Mobile Vision Clinic as part of summer camp programs, allowing participating kids to receive eye exams and glasses free of charge. Over the course of the summer, Lions World Vision Institute's Mobile Clinical Services team visited eight Hillsborough County recreation centers, providing eye exams to children participating in County summer camps. The initiative resulted in:
- 259 vision screenings
- 99 pairs of prescription glasses distributed to children ages 5-17
The partnership saved local families an estimated $50,000 in vision care costs while ensuring children received the care they needed before returning to the classroom.
Layla Ringhoff, head of mobile clinical services for Lions World Vision Institute, says the program offers some relief to local families.
"We're helping kids see that might not otherwise because glasses can be so expensive," said Ringhoff. "When they get a big smile on their face, that's when you know they've found the right pair."
Removing barriers to vision care
For many families, finding time and resources for eye exams during the busy summer months can be difficult. By bringing eye care professionals directly to recreation centers, the program eliminated transportation, scheduling, and financial barriers that can prevent children from receiving routine vision care. Experts at Lions World Vision Institute say early vision screenings can identify issues that may affect reading, learning, and classroom participation, giving children a stronger foundation ahead of a new school year.
"For any family who may be struggling financially, this service can be the difference between these kids doing well in school, or struggling," said Ringhoff. "It's the most gratifying thing I've ever been a part of."
Summer Vision Clinic Locations
This summer, mobile vision clinics were held at:
- Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center
- Egypt Lake Recreation Center
- Gardenville Recreation Center
- Victor Crist Community Center Complex
- Jackson Springs Park & Community Center
- Ruskin Park & Recreation Center
- Thonotosassa Park & Recreation Center
- Kenly Park & Recreation Center
Continued support beyond summer
Children who received glasses through the program are eligible for a free replacement pair for one year if their glasses are lost or broken, providing additional peace of mind for families and helping ensure children continue to have the vision correction they need.
Hillsborough County and Lions World Vision Institute are exploring opportunities to expand the partnership beyond summer camps. Plans are underway to bring the Mobile Vision Clinic to additional Parks & Recreation sites during the upcoming school year, making it even easier for families to access eye care during breaks in school.
By meeting families where they already gather for summer activities, Hillsborough County and Lions World Vision Institute are helping children see more clearly, easing financial stress for parents, and giving students a healthier, more confident start to the upcoming school year.
"Our goal is to take the some of the burden away from families so they can use their resources for something else," said Ringhoff. "For the parents, there's also a sense of relief knowing that their kids are taken care of."
Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation operates recreational facilities throughout the county while also providing programs, events, and activities year-round. Learn more about what the department offers, including future summer camp opportunities and after-school programs for the upcoming year.