As a program of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation, Utah Community Builders spotlights one organization each month that’s making a meaningful difference in the community. The initiative supports the Foundation’s mission to engage Utah’s business community in addressing key issues that strengthen the state’s workforce.
Did you know that 2.2 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision impairment or blindness — and at least 1 billion of those cases could have been prevented with access to proper care? Eye Care 4 Kids was created to help change that reality.
Founder and President Joseph Carbone has been in the industry for more than 50 years. After moving to Utah in 1978 and opening his own practice, he recognized a growing need among children who needed glasses but whose families could not afford them. After providing pro bono care to local families, he established Eye Care 4 Kids in 2001.
“Around the world, there are 500 million children globally who don’t have access to health care, but everyone can do something. These children don’t have access to professional eye care, exams or glasses, and more often than not, they can’t afford it. Eye Care 4 Kids is the Solution,” said Carbone.
Since then, the organization has delivered more than 600,000 services — the equivalent of $200 million in care. Carbone said, “In the last 25 years of Eye Care 4 Kids, I have been personally changed by the millions of stories and life-changing experiences people experience with us.”
What began in Utah has expanded to Arizona, Nevada and Idaho, with school-based and mobile clinics, as well as portable equipment bringing care directly to communities. The organization also partners with Rocky Mountain University School of Optometry to help train the next generation of professionals.
Today, a team of about 50 people supports Eye Care 4 Kids across its locations, along with volunteers who help create a welcoming environment for young patients. “We really try to make it a good experience instead of an often scary one for kids,” said Carbone.
Looking ahead, the future for Eye Care 4 Kids is bright. With updated technology and equipment helping address the shortage of optometrists, the organization continues to partner with health care professionals to expand access in rural communities around the world.
To learn more about their mission and how to give your support, visit their website here.
