January 12, 2012

Thanks from Atlanta, this is because of you!

By bgenaw

We are a group of individuals from different Brands all in one amazing company- Luxottica Retail. We are all here to support one cause, OneSight. To help children receive the gift of sight- truly changing lives. Our group would like to say many personal thanks to all of those who made this possible for us.

My LC #184 Team. Those guys are amazing! Thanks to my wife Veronica. I hope that some members of my team can come and see this clinics in person next year. I will show them what this clinics are all about.

-Ruben Beitia (AKA "Sugar Cookie")

Lenscrafters #184

Tacoma, Washington

 

My Wife, Crystal. It is because of you I am able to share my time and skill for this wonderful cause called OneSight. Thank you for your love and dedication for life and for our family. I LOVE YOU!

-Michael Curtis

Sears Optical

Aurora, Colorado

 

My husband, for understanding my need to serve and supporting me in this beginning. My son for being awesome and trustworthy so I can leave home for a week. Marguerite, for sharing the same passion for OneSight and working extra time to hold down the fort while I'm away. Monique, for your enthusiasm and picking up extra shifts this week.

-Michelle Marks Target Optical

Lafayette, Louisiana

 

Randi Fried and my Team at SGH 5254 for holding down the store when I'm gone.

-Tony Cassata

Sunglass Hut

Brooklyn, New York

 

My family (Adriana, Brian, and Lisa)and all my fellow EPAGans at EyeMed. Thanks for taking care of everything at home so I could immerse myself in the experience in Atlanta!

-Jeff Smudski,

EyeMed

Cincinnati, Ohio (CSC)

 

My Staff at my store in Chicago(Angie/Josh)Managers for working long hours for me to take the week away from the office and help children in need! :)

-Robin Lujan

LensCrafters Store #20

Chicago, Illinois

 

Thank you to all of my Family and Friends who made generous monetary donations to my OneSight fundraising campaign. Without their support, I would not be able to reach my goals and the clinics would not be nearly as successful. Thank you also to my Oakley co-workers who donated the awesome products to our Silent Auction. They always bring in top dollar for the kids! I am grateful to my parents, who have always been and continue to be encouraging in all that I do. And finally, I would like to give an extra special Thank You from the bottom of my heart to my fabulous husband, whose multitude of love, support and dedication makes me who I am. I am honored to have all of the wonderful Family and Friendships that surround me and fulfill my life!

-Heather Bissell

Oakley

Foothill Ranch, California

 

First, my husband, James, who supports my passion for OneSight 100%. He not only takes care of everything at home while I'm away for a clinic, he does everything the week before as well. He cooked special meals for me last weekend because he wanted me to feel special and know he's proud of me. He's fantastic and I share my clinic shirts with him because without him I would not be here. Second, my boss, Pedro. No matter what is going on at the office, Pedro is always supportive of my OneSight activities. He makes it possible for my work schedule to be flexible enough to incorporate OneSight activities. Thanks to James and Pedro, I can concentrate on giving the gift of sight.

-Martha Johnson

Atlanta Service Center (DC)

Atlanta, GA

 

I just want to thank my family first of all who I love beyond measure. Without them taking care of the day to day home things, it would not be possible to be part of such an EYE-MAZING program. I love and miss you all! I encourage everyone to do their part on some level. Reach out and support OneSight in some way - it takes all of us to do this! Special thanks to my awesome Sales Team - Josh, Elizabeth, Abbie, Brian, and Stephanie - for running a great show while I am gone. You guys ROCK!

-Lance Partin (AKA "Teddy Graham")

Sunglass Hut 2189

Knoxville, Tennessee

 


I would like to thank Christy Sheets, my Regional Manager for sending me to my one week clinic with One Sight. Also, my team over at Target Optical for the effort of covering my work hours that help me to participate. My husband Paul for his positive and motivated attitude during this week, for his donation and his words..."Thanks doing this event." My family for their excitement and emotional words..."it is so wonderful to give and see the happy faces at the end." Also for their donations. My brother Daniel for helping as a volunteer and showing his happiness while he was pre-testing kids, doing VA and helping in any task. My friends for their words of support and donation. To the OneSight team, thank you for sharing every moment on this clinic, I'm taking so much with me from you opening up your giving hearts. To friends, family and co-workers- do not miss this opportunity to be a volunteer to OneSight. At the end you will realize how much you'll receive when you give.

-Josefina Collins

Target Optical

Milton, Georgia

Janet Duke- Who asked and coerced me to be lead doctor at an Atlanta clinic while I was on a global clinic in South Africa 2010.

-Steven Warstadt

LensCrafters

Atlanta, Georgia

Store 408 & those helping in our lab this week. You rock!!

-Danielle Jakatt

LensCrafters

W. Dundee, Illinois

Andy Zook (GM), Karen Erickson, Lynda Pealer, Dr. Forrest, Edwin Soto, and Tammy Moreno.
Thank you for encouraging me and helping me become a part of this amazing OneSight team.

-Cynthia Garcia

LensCrafters

Orlando, Florida

Lux & OneSight for providing the opportunity- Bethany & Jeanna for their support.

-Diana Marks

EyeMed

Cincinnati, Ohio

My family! I know you are all old enough but it is still hard to be away from you! My store, LensCrafters 617. Absences are hard to fill right now. Thanks to you all for filling in for me this whole week. I've had an awesome time. And of course OneSight! Thanks for the opportunity I'll definitely be applying again!
Just wanted to say I loved being with you all! I've had a great week so far! Being in the lab all week I don't have any stories about the kids, but I have a lot of good memories from my experience with the team!

-Lynn Lundberg

LensCrafters

Rochester, New York

My Co-workers and staff and staff at 873. Thanks guys- you are THE BEST STAFF!

-Jon Beaton

LensCrafters

Atlanta, Georgia

LC RGM's 109, 4, & 59, LC 256, Sears Optical Regional, SGH Regional, local volunteers, Dekalb County Schools. All participating doctors, most of all too, the team- Go Atlanta Team 2012!!

-Sally Thomasson

Lenscrafters

Kennesaw, Georgia

I would like to give a huge thanks to my husband and kids for supporting me on my OneSight mission. You've been flying solo with the babies and I'll be home soon to give you some back-up. LOL. I love and miss all of you.
To everyone at LC#1666, Thank you for the support and encouragement on my OneSight mission!

-Patty Riddle

LensCrafters

Yakima, Washington

I want to thank Leona and Scott for their leadership. It was a pleasure to return to the Dekalb County Schools and work with nurse Patterson and their great staff.

-Josh HousiauxSteward

LensCrafters

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My family and co-workers who are picking up the slack while I am gone. Thanks for making this mission possible!

-Rupesh Sharma

EyeMed

Cincinnati, Ohio



Thank you Tessa Lee (Store Manager Sunglass Hut 5169 Portland, OR) for truly being an inspiring person to me. This is something I have always wanted to do and I appreciate your passion and support, I truly believe it is because of you that I am here and I can't thank you enough. My RM Brian Meadows-Region 10, and my RVP Jackie Culp- Zone 1 for both of your continued support in everything I do. Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting me, it means so much! My husband Logan for being my best friend and supporting me with OneSight and everything my job entails. My family for always being there for me with support and always cheering me on. My friends for following our Team Atlanta Facebook and our blog I've been working on! My team 1568 'Rocking Rogue Valley!' in Medford, Oregon, without all of you I wouldn't be here. Thank you for your passion with OneSight and picking up the slack, including the crazy schedules! Luxottica Retail for being awesome to work for and giving me this amazing opportunity. And of course my Team Atlanta- long hours, hard work, coming together as a team. What we have done this week is incredible. I could totally get all mushy on you, but I will save that for another time!

-Breeauna Genaw

Sunglass hut

Medford, OR

________________________

Its has been a fun filled last couple of days for us! Lets catch ya'll up on Clinic day 3 and 4! Notice how I said ya'll- that's what happens when you come to the South!

Before I get into all of our incredible stories from the past couple days, on behalf of the Atlanta team we would like to thank:

LensCrafters Region 59 & 109 for lunch from Joe's Catering on Wednesday.

Target Optical for lunch from Papa Johns, and a fun raffle on Thursday.

We're so thankful for the both of you filling our bellies while we work!

We were so busy on Wednesday and Thursday because...

On Wednesday we got the opportunity to help 169 children in which 87% needed glasses.

On Thursday we got the opportunity to help 175 children in which 96.8% needed glasses.

What an incredible feeling to know the lives we are changing- that is what this hard work is all about! It's sooo worth it!!

Here are those amazing stories ya'll have been waiting for!

Two children were examined at the clinic Wednesday and one was found to have a sight threatening disease and one was found to be severely visually impaired:

David, a 5 year old, was examined by Dr. Ingrid Ellison to have congenital glaucoma. He had intraocular pressures of 50 in each eye. The ideal range of eye pressure is 10-21. David was found to see 20/80 in each eye with glasses. He is being referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for treatment of his eye pressure as soon as possible. His vision will degenerate quickly unless the extremely high eye pressure is brought down.

Josh is a quiet 8 year old who was brought to the clinic by his counselor Cassandra Davis and to the attention of Dr. Steven Warstadt. He was not on the schedule to be seen but Ms. Davis was extremely concerned about his declining vision and requested that he be seen. We happily welcomed him in. Josh was born in a Burmese refugee camp and brought to the United States with his family, all refugees. He has six fingers on one hand and six toes on one foot. Ms. Davis told us that his father has some sort of visual degeneration and it is believed that Josh has the same. On examination Josh was found to have best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 in one eye and 20/100 in the other. He is legally blind in one and considered severely visually impaired in the other. Josh exhibited a mild case of nystagmus which is a jerky involuntary ocular movement. This is a neurological condition which he probably has had since birth. No retinal pathology was found so his vision loss is probably related to a neurological condition and one that cannot be improved with glasses. In fact a new prescription was not found to help. However Josh was given a new pair of glasses to replace his current pair which were in poor condition. He is being referred to a low vision center where he will be fit with specialized spectacles to enable him to function better than he can with conventional glasses. He is also being referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist to investigate the cause of his visual degeneration and see if there is any way to prevent further vision loss.

"I saw a high school student who had been without glasses since middle school. She told me she was constantly having to get out of her seat and walk up to the board at school to see what the teacher was writing. The other kids in her class would make fun of her for doing this. After examining her I found that she was very nearsighted. I told her that she would get a pair of glasses so she could see the board without having to get up. She was so happy that she started to cry. I know these glasses will make a big difference in her life."

-Cynthia Cieszko, O.D.

Heather Bissell had the opportunity to dispense on Wednesday. A girl in middle school sat down, Heather opened the case and her expression went from nothing to excitement when she saw her glasses. She put them on and said, "Do you realize how great this is? It's been so long since I've had glasses and now I can see!!!"

"I personally got the opportunity to dispense on Thursday. it gave me goosebumps to hear simple things coming out of the kids mouths like: "I can see so clear!" "I can see now!" "Woah!" and just the smiles on the kids faces and how their eyes get big just gives you goosebumps.

Earlier in the day I was in the frame selection room and we had this little boy full of energy, about 9 years old and Jeff Smudski was measuring his pupils. Not only was he very interested in exactly what Jeff was doing but he looked over at Jeff and I and said, "I like to rock and roll!!!" while he did a little jig. He was so excited to be there he was just so cute! When he found a pair he liked he asked how much they cost in a very concerned manner. I told him we were going to give them to him with his special lenses just for him. He got a huge smile- did a fist pump and said "YESSS!!" On the way out, I like giving all the kids high fives. After he gave me his high five, he had a smug little smile on his face and told me, "My dad said not to give girls high fives that are too hard!"--TOO CUTE!!"

-Breeauna Genaw

I can't believe we only have one day left, this week has gone by so quickly! I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read our blog. Again, feel free to share with your family and friends!

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January 11, 2012

Serendipitous Passion

By bgenaw

"Day two of the 2012 Atlanta OneSight clinic is done! Another 165 kids can now see the world more clearly - lots of smiling little faces! We found glaucoma in a 9 year old little boy - his optic nerve is damaged and his vision is impaired. He will be seen by a specialist within the next few days. Glaucoma cannot be cured and left untreated leads to blindness. Hopefully he can be treated and what vision he has left will be saved. His mother had no clue there was a problem." -Jon Beaton

Today was the first day we dispensed glasses to the children. Every dispense is warm and special- and I have a couple stories from today that I would like to share.

When Lance Partin was dispensing glasses to a little boy, he was fitting the glasses and asked him how they felt. The little boy said, "It's not the way they feel, it's how I can see!!"

On our first day of clinic, Patty Riddle pre-tested a boy in elementary school. Today, Patty was on the dispense team and had the opportunity to hand deliver his new glasses. The minute she took them out of the box, he got the biggest smile on his face! When Patty put them on his face and asked him how they fit, he said good even though they fit completely crooked and the nose pieces were off. She was able custom fit them for him, but he didn't even care because he was so excited to get his new glasses and see clearly!

"Oh my gosh!!! It was very rewarding... It was truly amazing to see the little boy so excited to get his glasses. Clear vision is something most of us take advantage of on a daily basis. As a lab technician, to see the product of your passion and labor be personally delivered is priceless." -Patty Riddle

A connection between the two stories is how excited the children were to get their glasses and see. They didn't care if they were lopsided because they knew that their new glasses were going to give them clear vision which is extremely important to them, even at such a young age! It feels so good to be a part of something that makes such a huge difference in their lives. To know the difference you are making for them is what really gives us the passion to do what we are doing.

Today was filled with all kinds of fun and exciting things!

Thank you to LensCrafters Region 4 for our lunch today- you definitely helped us re-fuel on pizza and salad so we could get back to work!

After clinic we held our debrief session which included our pinning ceremony. The tradition is that at every clinic, the core members receive custom pins for our mission. The pin represents our love and passion for what OneSight means to us and gives us an opportunity to share our passion with others. We are a part of a team who have pulled together from all over the country to change lives. We are not only changing the lives of the children, every one of us will leave with this experience embedded into our hearts forever.

Today was also the day we had our silent auction. We had all kinds of donations, From Oakley sunglasses and OneSight gear, to hometown items and hand knit scarves and beanie set! There were some fun and intense moments that kept everyone on their toes. Overall we are proud to say we have raised over $1,600 for OneSight as a team!!!

During our down time tonight, a group of clinic members headed over to the Perimeter Mall. Cynthia, Michelle and Ruben popped into a Sunglass Hut sporting their clinic shirts. Immediately, they were greeted by the associate and he said "Hey! You're with OneSight!" It made them feel like celebrities when he smiled and pointed to the OneSight sign at his register.
"It was thrilling to see his face light up as he made the connection between what he reads in his store communications and actually seeing it in person. We explained how OneSight gives Luxottica employees the opportunity to travel all over the country and world to help people receive sight. We extended the offer to visit our clinic location this week to see the hundreds of children and volunteer a few hours. We gave tips to start his volunteering for OneSight, took a group picture, and said our goodbyes. It's rewarding to inspire others to such an important cause as OneSight." -Michelle Marks

As we were winding down for the evening, a group of our team was lounging when through our hotel doors came Sunglass Hut Zone 6 Regional Managers. How serendipitous it is for Luxottica employees to be staying at the same place for two different reasons at the same time. After checking in, we got the opportunity to hang out with Dan Murphy who is the Regional Manager for Region 52. Dan has been chosen for the Thailand 2012 team this May! Thank you Dan for sharing his fund-raising strategies, smiles and a shared passion for OneSight with us.

1 Comment

January 9, 2012

AAA-MMAAAZZZ-IIINNGGG!!!

By bgenaw

"Success today wasn't the amount that we served, but it was the need rate. What percent of the children needed the eyewear. That's what really impacts the community." -Leona Dockery
 
Today we helped 117 children, in which 107 needed glasses. The flow of everything was right on, and very smooth. Everyone did outstanding! Our Doctors we have on our crew had excellent decision making and flexibility, which really contributes to our success.
 
A middle schooler with a high prescription was in frame selection today. While he was picking out his glasses and looking at himself, he was smack dab in front of the mirror. When asked if he had ever wore glasses he said no. What an incredible difference we will have made in this youngsters life!
 
Heather Bissell had a grade schooler who kept saying no to every pair she suggested. When Heather asked what he was looking for, he replied "I can't see through any of these!" Heather then explained to the little one that these were fake lenses and his real prescription lenses would be put into them that were going to help him see would be delivered to his school. He then smiled from ear to ear and had no problem picking out a pair.
 
We would like to Thank...
 
The local Sunglass Hut's for providing us yummy lunch from Moe's Burritos!
 
The Lux DC for delicious dinner from OB's BBQ!
 
And of course, to Pedro, and Martha for the tour of the DC (Luxottica Distribution Center) today after our clinic. It was impressive to say the least! They do so much more than you could ever imagine, and they are really the reason our business is stocked so efficiently. The best overall description for it, and I KNOW our Atlanta Team agrees with me...
AAA-MMAAAZZZ-IIINNGGG!!!
 
....Which pretty much sums up Clinic Day 1!!
 
 
 
(Pictures are to come soon! Thank you for your patience!)

1 Comment

January 8, 2012

Let the Journey BEGIN!!

By bgenaw

Welcome to the first OneSight Clinic in 2012- Atlanta, Georgia!
 
I would first like to introduce everyone to our team, which have all arrived today- January 8th, and will be working together for the next six days providing exams and eyewear to children in need.

Leona Dockery, Clinic Director, United States, OneSight

Jon Beaton, Lead Coordinator, United States, LensCrafters

Martha Johnson, Clinic Coordinator, United States

Karalee Novak, Clinic Coordinator, United States, Sunglass Hut

Sally Thomasson, Clinic Coordinator, United States, LensCrafters

Josefina Collins, Clinic Coordinator, United States, Target

Dr. Steven Warstadt, Doctor Leader, United States, LensCrafters

Danielle Jakatt, Production Captain, United States, LensCrafters

Rupesh Sharma, Fundraising Captain, United States, CSC

Heather Bissell, Fundraising Co-Captain, United States, Oakley, Inc.

Breeauna Genaw, Media Captain, United States, Sunglass Hut

Anthony (Tony) Cassata, United States, Sunglass Hut

Cynthia Garcia, United States, LensCrafters

Amanda Gilbert, United States, Sears Optical

Josh HousasiaxSteward, United States LensCrafters

Christine Laughlin, United States, Sunglass Hut

Robin Lujan, United States, LensCrafters

Diana Marks, United States, CSC

Jeffrey Smudski, United States, CSC

Dr. Cynthia Cieszko, United States, LensCrafters

Dr. Carla Lindsay, United States, Pearle Vision

Ruben Beitia, United States, LensCrafters

Michael Curtis, United States, Sears Optical

Michelle Marks, United States, Target Optical

Lance Partin, United States, Sunglass Hut

Patty Riddle, United States, LensCrafters

                     *Including multiple regional and local volunteers


For those of you who don't know what OneSight is...

For more than 20 years, OneSight has been committed to providing clear vision to millions in need through hand-delivery of primary vision care and eyewear. They also donate millions of dollars to fund research towards the prevention of optical diseases.

 

Our first day...

Our day started early for many team members. One by one they all arrived at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Right from the getgo bonding and friendships started. Lots of stories, experiences and laughter were shared. Anything from delayed flights, turbulance in the air, to where we came from. Also things like what division in the company we are from, and who has been on past missions or who is a newbie.

Once we had everyone gathered. There were a few mishaps to say the least. We won't go into too much detail or name anyone. Esculator, number 16, the van, blue car, the exit, taking a detour via Loretta (the GPS's Name), the exit again, thick fog, dollar tree wiper blades, seat belt, broncos win. That may not mean much to many of you, but lets just say in the first 8 hours we already feel like we've known each other for quite a while!

After arriving at the Clinic Site for a quick tour and a "finger licking good dinner", our team leaders gave us a run through of how our day would go tomorrow. Then it was Hotel bound! The Hotel is great, we did a quick check in, took some time to get settled, got our Team Atlanta shirts (they are AWESOME!!) and began working again!

Time to catch some zzZZZzzz's- We have a BIG day ahead of us tomorrow, since we have to be on site at 7am tomorrow morning...EEeek!!!

 

Please follow us on our journey as we change lives and give the gift of sight. There will blog updates daily including pictures and inspiring stories.

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About the Clinic

2012 Atlanta Clinic Blog Clinic

OneSight volunteers and doctors, in partnership with Dekalb County Schools, will provide free vision care and eyewear to area-students in need.