Bloomington Leader

The Indiana University School of Optometry has received a donation from Eyemart Express valued at over $1.3 million. This contribution will help provide eyeglasses and frames to underserved populations in Indiana.

Eyemart Express, a national optical retailer, donated 19,088 women's frames, 3,946 men's frames, and 3,314 children's frames. These will support the school's Community Outreach Program by offering essential eyewear to low-income and uninsured patients at the Atwater Eye Care Center in Bloomington and the Indianapolis Eye Care Center.

Dr. Neil A. Pence, associate dean for clinical and patient care services at the IU School of Optometry, expressed gratitude for the donation: “Many thanks to the entire Eyemart Express team for their generous support of our IU School of Optometry Community Outreach Program, which makes eye care and vision correction more accessible for many of our patients.” He added that this would allow patients to receive glasses at no or greatly reduced cost.

Eyemart Express operates 255 locations nationwide under brands such as Vision 4 Less, Visionmart Express, and Eyewear Express. The company is committed to community service through various philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving lives by enhancing vision.

Katy Hanson, chief marketing and merchandising officer at Eyemart Express, stated: “Access to clear vision is a fundamental need that can change the course of someone’s life.” She emphasized that partnering with the Indiana University School of Optometry aligns with their mission to ensure clear vision through expert eye care and kindness.

Hanson further noted: “We are proud to support the program’s efforts to manifest this mission in communities throughout Indiana that need it most.”