Bringing Clear Vision and Support to NC4K’s Back to School Bash

On August 9, 2023, Nellie’s Champions for Kids (NC4K) hosted their annual Back to School Bash at the Lower.com Field, Columbus Crew Stadium. This heartwarming event, one of several organized by NC4K to support families dealing with pediatric cancer, helps alleviate the financial and emotional burdens faced during the back-to-school season. Bringing together over 90 families and serving more than 240 students, the event’s focal point was Zenni Optical‘s involvement. Zenni proudly participated, providing vision screenings and free glasses to ensure that these remarkable children could see clearly as they embarked on their educational journeys, emphasizing the importance of clear vision for academic success and contributing to the well-being of these brave children.

Touching Encounters

One of the most heartwarming moments during the Back to School Bash was when we met a charming young girl named Remy. Remy courageously confronts the daily challenges posed by an optic nerve glioma, a condition that can lead to ever-changing vision difficulties. Remy’s unwavering support comes not only from her family but also from her mother, who recognized the significance of having multiple pairs of Zenni glasses due to Remy’s condition, which necessitates frequent adjustments in eyewear. The deep gratitude shared by Remy and her mother for Zenni’s provision of affordable eyewear and support to their family was truly touching.

A Team of Zenni Heroes

Image by NC4K

At the heart of our involvement were the dedicated individuals from Zenni who volunteered their time and expertise to make this event a success. Dr. Mori Ahi, Dr. Sophia Moh, and Prevent Blindness Ohio performed the vision screenings, ensuring that each child received the care and attention they deserved. Marcelo and Lambert, our opticians, expertly fitted kids into glasses, guaranteeing they received frames that suited them perfectly. Sydnee, behind the scenes, managed logistics and developed essential collateral for these events, ensuring they ran smoothly.

The Ohio Team, including Rob, David, Lauren, Matt, Bobby, Dorothy, and Aleks, played a vital role in setting up and transporting everything in the Zenni Bus. Their dedication and hard work made this event possible, showcasing the importance of teamwork and community support.

The NC4K Back to School Bash was a heartwarming event that brought joy and relief to pediatric cancer patients and their families. Zenni Optical is proud to have supported these courageous children in their educational journeys by ensuring they have the vision they need to excel. Our commitment to our mission, “See Better, Live Better,” remains unwavering as we make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like NC4K and the Columbus Crew, highlighting the significance of community and the transformative power of collective effort.

About the Author: Dr. Sophia Moh, OD, ABOC

Dr. Sophia Moh, OD, is an optometrist based in the Bay Area, California. She holds a doctorate from UC Berkeley School of Optometry and has worked in various eye care settings, including primary care optometry, general ophthalmology, community health clinics, and Veterans Affairs. Dr. Moh is dedicated to improving global vision health by making high-quality, affordable eyewear accessible to all. She is also a certified American Board Optician (ABO) and actively contributes to optical education through training and lectures.