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The longtime relationship between the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), The Eye Institute (TEI), 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 of both institutions align so closely – helping school children with vision problems in the Philadelphia region – it’s no surprise 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 2025 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.
“We’ve had quite a long relationship with the institution and the mission of helping the school children with vision problems in Philadelphia is clearly aligned with NVI’s mission,” said Donald Smith, OD ‘73, director of professional relations for NVI. “It’s an honor, to be sure, for the company to be recognized with this award.”
NVI has been partners and a major supporter of Looking Out for Kids since its inception, which impacts economically disadvantaged children who need vision and hearing services in the Greater Philadelphia area.
But NVI’s partnership extends far beyond that. The company has supported the University’s “Big Red Bus,” a mobile unit that visits local schools to provide eye and hearing tests along with complimentary glasses to students. NVI has also funded the Robert E. Horne Summer Enrichment Program, which aims to increase the number of people with varied backgrounds in optometry. Additionally, the company offers optometric education through a pilot program that trains students in remote eye exams using high-tech equipment and real-time, secure HD video conferencing. Beyond these initiatives, NVI has played a key role in helping Salus secure scholarships.
There’s also a personal aspect to the partnership. Not only is Dr. Smith an alum of PCO/Salus, but so is his son, Alexander Smith, OD ‘04, one of the current leaders in clinical services at NVI. Additionally, Reade Fahs, the former CEO and now executive chairman of the board of NVI, has served for many years on the Salus Board of Trustees.
NVI has about 2,200-plus affiliated optometrists in its organization’s various brands and PCO/Salus is one of two schools with the highest percentage of alums in that group.
“On top of that, of our optometry leaders who support our doctors in leadership roles, a majority of them also come from PCO/Salus,” said Dr. Smith. “Not only have we been able to support these programs, but we’ve also made a lot of new and good friends with those at Salus, and that’s a nice side benefit of all this.”
Looking Out for Kids is the brainchild of Susan Oleszewski, OD ‘76, Resident ‘78, FAAO, who was at PCO/Salus for nearly 40 years and served in a variety of roles, including chief of Primary Care Services at TEI and then as associate dean for PCO and executive director of Clinical Services. She was named the 2023 Lighthouse Award recipient.
The 2025 Looking Out for Kids charity fundraiser will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at City Winery, 990 Filbert St., Philadelphia. To give the gift of sight, click here to make a donation and support a child in need.
