2025 NAtional vision, inc.
National Vision, Inc., has been selected to receive the Looking Out for Kids 2025 Lighthouse Award in recognition of its longtime partnership with the initiative.
The relationship between the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), The Eye Institute, Salus University and National Vision, Inc. (NVI) goes beyond a financial agreement - it’s a true partnership focused on caring for people.
And, because the missions align so closely – helping school children with vision problems in the Philadelphia region and around the world – it’s no surprise that NVI, one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States with more than 1,100 stores in 38 states and Puerto Rico, is the recipient of the Looking Out for Kids (LOFK) Lighthouse Award. The award is given to those individuals or institutions that are considered beacons of light and sources of strength in the community in which they live, work, and serve above and beyond their occupations.
NVI has been partners and a major supporter of the Looking Out for Kids initiative, which impacts economically disadvantaged children who need vision and hearing services in the Greater Philadelphia area, since its inception.
But NVI’s support extends far beyond that. The company has backed the University’s “Big Red Bus,” which is part of the LOFK initiative, and a mobile unit that travels to local schools to provide vision exams along with complimentary eyeglasses to students. NVI has also funded the Robert E. Horne Summer Enrichment Program, which aims to increase underrepresented individuals in optometry. Additionally, the company has advanced optometric education through a pilot program that trains students on conducting remote eye exams utilizing high-tech equipment and real-time secure HD video conferencing; and has helped the institution secure scholarships.
There’s also a personal aspect to the partnership. Not only is Donald Smith, OD ‘73, director of professional relations for NVI, an alum of PCO, so is his son, Alexander Smith, OD ‘04, who is a current leader in clinical services at NVI. In addition, the former CEO and now executive chairman of the board of NVI, Reade Fahs, served for many years on the Salus University Board of Trustees.
NVI boasts a network of more than 2,200 affiliated optometrists across its many brands - and PCO/Salus proudly stands as one of two schools with the highest percentage of alumni in that impressive group.
Past Recipients
2023 - Dr. Sue Oleszewski, Professor Emerita, Looking Out for Kids Founder
2022 - Dr. Kovin Naidoo, Global Head, Advocacy and Partnerships, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation
2021 - Thomas Shoemaker and Geoff Brandon, TD Bank
2019 - Alan Lindy, president of Lindy Communities
2018 - Donna Frisby-Greenwood, president and CEO of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia
2017 - Shelly Yanoff, former Executive Director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY)
2016 - Honorable Risa Vetri Ferman, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas
Since its inception, the University and its clinical facilities have been dedicated to protecting, promoting, and improving health and well-being through the delivery of outstanding health sciences education, leading-edge research, patient care, and community service to diverse populations in the United States and worldwide. The “Looking Out for Kids” (LOFK) vision care initiative and fundraiser was first held in 2007 and is emblematic of the Salus mission to make a difference in the communities we serve in Philadelphia and its surrounding communities. In reflection and recognition of the continuing success of this program, the University created the Lighthouse Award for stellar, selfless, path finding community service in 2016.
Those nominated for this prestigious award are beacons of light and sources of strength in the community in which they live, work, and serve above and beyond their occupations. Annually, one or more Lighthouse Award recipients will be nominated, selected and then honored for their extraordinary service that substantially benefits the health and well-being of disadvantaged and underserved children and youth in the greater Philadelphia area.