Violet Sees
“80% of blindness is treatable or preventable” — Violet Sees
Violet Sees is a nonprofit organization started by the family of Susan Whitford, a childhood friend of KABF Director Debra Hannula. After being born blind, Susan’s granddaughter Violet was able to have two surgeries to correct the bilateral cataracts that were in both of her eyes at birth. She developed Nystagmus, a condition that makes her eyes move back and forth really quickly. Violet chose a purple pair of sporty eyeglasses to help correct that issue. She sees her specialist every six months and her parents report that “she’s a happy, healthy, energetic little girl.”
Since her diagnosis, Violet’s family has come to understand that one in four children are affected with vision issues. Despite how common vision issues are, less than 20% of children have a comprehensive eye exam by the first grade. The CDC reports that vision disability is the most prevalent disabling condition among children, and over half of learning disabilities are related to vision problems. Amazingly, if caught early enough, vision can be restored. In fact, 80% of blindness is treatable or preventable.
Since her diagnosis, Violet’s family has come to understand that one in four children are affected with vision issues. Despite how common vision issues are, less than 20% of children have a comprehensive eye exam by the first grade. The CDC reports that vision disability is the most prevalent disabling condition among children, and over half of learning disabilities are related to vision problems. Amazingly, if caught early enough, vision can be restored. In fact, 80% of blindness is treatable or preventable.
After learning this astounding fact, Violet’s family thought of the children who aren’t able to get the treatment they need. As Violet’s mother explains on the Violet Sees website: “It doesn’t seem right that we had that chance and others don’t. There are families around the world and right here in America that don't have the medical infrastructure or resources to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate children just like Violet. Why not try to help others get those same chances?”
Formed in 2016, Violet Sees is “working to eliminate preventable blindness from childhood by helping families connect with programs and services so that all children get the best vision care possible.” This includes funding eye exams and glasses; working to expand early detection and improve vision screening programs; and supporting research on the best treatments possible for childhood vision conditions.
Children always had a special place in Kelly’s heart. KABF is happy to support Violet Sees.
Director Debra Hannula recently received this note from Violet’s grandmother Susan Whitford:
“Your support for Violet Sees has come at such an opportune time and has made a tremendous difference. The amount of money spent on glasses and eye exams in the first seven months this year is 125% of what was spent last year. With donors and supporters like you, over a hundred kids have been given the gift of sight with eye exams and glasses. Support has also been given to two research projects at the University of Washington - one dealing with vision issues for premature babies and one with childhood eye cancer. Additionally, a vision screening device was provided to a non-profit this year that partners with families to provide programs and support to children 0-8 years of age. They have been able to screen lots of kids this year.”
For more information visit their website: https://www.violetsees.org/
“Your support for Violet Sees has come at such an opportune time and has made a tremendous difference. The amount of money spent on glasses and eye exams in the first seven months this year is 125% of what was spent last year. With donors and supporters like you, over a hundred kids have been given the gift of sight with eye exams and glasses. Support has also been given to two research projects at the University of Washington - one dealing with vision issues for premature babies and one with childhood eye cancer. Additionally, a vision screening device was provided to a non-profit this year that partners with families to provide programs and support to children 0-8 years of age. They have been able to screen lots of kids this year.”
For more information visit their website: https://www.violetsees.org/