Optometry
General News
As children across Philadelphia and surrounding communities head back to school in a few short weeks, vision care becomes more critical than ever. According to the American Optometric Association, one in four children have a vision problem that affects their performance in the classroom. Undetected or untreated vision problems can lead to poor academic performance, behavioral challenges, and missed developmental milestones—barriers no child should face simply due to lack of access to care.
That’s where the charity makes a lasting impact.
Founded by Susan Oleszewski, OD ‘76, Resident ‘78, FAAO, MA, professor emerita, during her tenure at The Eye Institute and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, LOFK was founded on the belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed—starting with clear vision.
Thanks to Dr. O’s leadership and the generosity of alumni, donors, and corporate partners, LOFK has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide comprehensive vision care services and eyeglasses to children who would otherwise go without.
This year, although the annual fundraiser was regrettably canceled, the need for support remains urgent. As alumni, supporters, and community advocates, this moment presents an opportunity to recommit to the values that brought LOFK to life.
Your contributions—no matter the size—will directly support vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams and glasses for children in need. Help us ensure every child has the vision to learn, grow, and thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Together, we can continue to look out for kids when it matters most.
In a personal note, Dr. Oleszewski wrote:
Dear colleagues:
In 2007, I, along with a dedicated staff, founded the “Looking Out for Kids” charity (LOFK). This initiative has become an important component of our community-based pediatric clinical training program. As importantly, LOFK has made a meaningful impact on the visual health of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged children in the Philadelphia and suburban public schools.
Pennsylvania College of Optometry’s (PCO) faculty and students have every reason to be proud of the public health impact this charity makes every year by providing comprehensive vision care and eyeglasses to thousands of children.
The Looking Out for Kids initiative is funded each year through grants, the annual LOFK fundraiser, and the generosity of alumni and friends of PCO. Regrettably, this year’s annual charity fundraiser had to be canceled at the last minute. The event was scheduled at a venue that was in the proximity of a Center City demonstration that hosted several hundred thousand attendees. In an abundance of caution and safety concerns, the LOFK event was canceled. Unfortunately, the event cancellation means that the charity will struggle to meet the budgetary needs required for this coming academic year.
With all that as background, I am asking you to please consider making a meaningful gift to the Looking Out for Kids charity. I have been assured that if your gift is stipulated to support LOFK, the dollars will absolutely support the vision care needs of the children we serve.
I know that many of you support multiple charities every year. I hope you will consider LOFK as one of your charities this year.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Sue O
Susan C. Oleszewski, OD ‘76, Resident ‘78, FAAO, MA
Professor Emerita
