Kids get gift of sight in combined effort

The Cape Coral Eye Center teamed up for a second year with the Lee County Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program to give local children the gift of sight for the holiday season.

The center provided less-fortunate children with free refractive eye exams and glasses. The center gave away 20 pairs of glasses on Dec. 21 and another 30 to 40 pairs on Dec. 23. Some children who received the eye exams didn’t need prescription glasses.

Dr. Farrell Tyson, owner of Cape Coral Eye Center, said the goal was to help children who might not be able to get glasses otherwise.

“We decided to get involved with it because in our area we saw that the recession was hitting the families but more importantly the children,” Tyson said.

Russell Reider, resource management director for The Salvation Army, said the organization appreciates Cape Coral Eye Center’s efforts in helping needy children.

“If it wasn’t for them, there would be a lot of children who couldn’t afford eye exams,” Reider said.

The eye exams were done at Cape Coral Eye Center’s North Fort Myers office off Bayshore Road. Participants made appointments at the center and were seen by Dr. Jennifer Gallo, who specializes in pediatrics. After the exam, the children could pick out their favorite frames and the families will return soon to pick up their new glasses.

Gallo said that for some children this was their first eye exam. For Mari Kumar, 7, this was her first time getting her eyes checked. The shy second-grader said she wasn’t nervous going into the doctor’s office.

“I have good eyes,” she said.

Her mom, Laurie Kumar, waited patiently in the lobby. She said her family heard about the program through The Salvation Army.

“I have heard such great things about this eye center, I was very appreciative,” Kumar said.

Angel Moreno, 13, came with his dad because he needed a new prescription. The eighth-grader, who has been wearing glasses for three years, said the eye exam was a little difficult.

“It was a little bit hard to see the letters,” Moreno said.

He was hoping for a new pair of lenses in a black plastic frame.

Mark Geary, marketing manager for the center, said the program ran smoothly.

“Everybody seemed gracious that we’re doing this for the children and in a great mood,” said Mark Geary, marketing manager. “It’s a nice change of pace for the staff to be able to come in, work with children and give back to the community during the holiday season.”

Tyson had a similar feeling about giving back during the holidays.

“Christmas isn’t about getting, it’s the giving and it’s a great way to help out the community,” he said.

Tyson expects Cape Coral Eye Center to participate in the program in the coming years.

“Every year we’re learning how to be more efficient and help more people and I believe we will be able to continue to participate,” Tyson said.