Opening Eyes

The Special Olympics Opening Eyes program is a vision and eye health screening in partnership with the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

Led by volunteer vision care professionals and assisted by vision care students, Opening Eyes is able to offer prescription eyewear, sunglasses and sports goggles as needed to Special Olympics athletes.

Screening Process

The Opening Eyes screening takes approximately 30-45 minutes and includes the following tests:

• Vision check (far and near)
• Color vision
• Stereo (3D) vision
• Eye alignment and muscle movement
• Eye pressure
• Front of the eye and inside the eye evaluation.

An additional test may be included depending on the screening outcomes.

Every athlete who needs vision correction is provided with a free pair of glass and/or sports goggles.  Sometimes the athletes will receive their new glasses that day.  For athletes who do not need prescription glasses, they receive free sunglasses and swim goggles.