One in four students in the United States has an undiagnosed vision problem significant enough to impact their academic performance, according to a 2016 study by OneSight, an international vision advocacy organization. However, nearly two-thirds of Americans are unaware that lack of access to vision care and glasses is a significant issue in the U.S.
Fidelity Security Life was been a partner with OneSight for nearly two decades, helping to raise awareness and address the need for vision care.
The Company has been a financial sponsor of OneSight since 2001, and since 2010 FSL has helped organize and staff an annual vision clinic for underprivileged children in our hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. A significant number of FSL associates have volunteered during week-long local and international vision clinics.
After 10 years of FSL hosting a vision clinic for local school children in Kansas City, the global pandemic prevented such activities in 2020. However, FSL did co-sponsor a three-day clinic in the fall for New Yorkers who have been hit hardest economically by the pandemic. OneSight opened the clinic — observing Covid-19 safety protocols — on October 8, which was World Sight Day. Over the three days, about 200 children and adults in the South Bronx received free eye exams and glasses.
OneSight is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1988 that is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes by providing eye care and eyeglasses to the underprivileged and by providing optical education to people in the US and abroad.
FSL shares OneSight's belief that when more children can see the board in school, we all can fight illiteracy, improve lives and strengthen communities.
"We've seen firsthand how clear vision has the power to unlock potential and change how someone sees their future," OneSight's executive director said. "We know that access to vision care can become readily available to every community and country, and we will not stop until the world can see."