Lions World Vision Institute

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Lions World Vision Institute

Lion World Vision Institute is a global nonprofit for sight restoration, research, and outreach.

10/07/2025

The LWVI Foundation was proud to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a truly inspiring community event at Lockhart Elementary!

Students filled the field with excitement as they cheered, played, and proudly raised the flags alongside the Buccaneers’ Rookie Players, celebrating teamwork, school spirit, and 50 years of Buccaneers pride.

The day also brought a meaningful opportunity for students in need of care.

Through the Glazer Vision Foundation’s mobile clinic, children received free eye exams and new glasses, ensuring every student can see and succeed in the classroom.

A special thank you to our incredible partners, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Glazer Vision Foundation, and Hillsborough County Public Schools, for your commitment to creating a healthier, brighter future for children across our community.

And to our own LWVI Vision Health team, Stephen Casto, Layla Ringhoff, and Nicole Opritza, thank you for bringing heart, expertise, and purpose to every event. Your work embodies our mission to advance vision and science .

10/06/2025

🎬 The Story of LWVI Has Arrived!

Behind every donor, every sight restored, and every life transformed there is a story of people, passion, and purpose.

Watch our new short film celebrating the teams, partners, and families who make our mission possible across the country and around the world.

This is the story of how LWVI advances vision and science,

👉 Watch now at lwvi.org

10/02/2025

Every child deserves the chance to see the world clearly — to read the chalkboard at school, to play with friends, and to dream about their future. But for too many, undetected vision problems stand in the way.

World Sight Day is on October 9th, and you can help change that:

$25 provides screenings for 10 children
$50 covers an exam + glasses for 1 child
$100 gives full care to 2 children

For a child, something as simple as their first pair of glasses can be transformational:

- Reading without struggle
- Confidence in the classroom
- Seeing the world come into focus for the very first time

Recognized globally, World Sight Day is led every year by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The day reminds us to and ensure everyone has access to quality eye care. Together, we can open young eyes to brighter futures.

For additional information on World Sight Day and the Love Your Eyes campaign, visit the IAPB's website. This resource is full of insights, stories, and tools to further our collective mission: https://www.iapb.world/love-your-eyes

For World Sight Day let's celebrate not just with words but with actions. Join us in promoting eye care in the workplace & at home, making it a standard practice for ourselves and families.

When we all come together, our impact is immeasurable. Learn more about why your gift matters: https://vimeo.com/1095047526

09/30/2025

- The LWVI Foundation's Vision Health Department’s Glazer Mobile Vision Clinic had the honor of participating in a very special event at the AdventHealth Training Center at 1 Buccaneer Place.

The children received screenings, eye exams, and even walked away with glasses on-site. For many of these children, this was their very first pair of glasses, a gift that will impact their learning, confidence, and everyday life in ways both big and small.

But the day held an even bigger surprise!

After the clinic, the LWVI Foundation crew — Dr. Matthew Helsing, Stephen Casto, Layla Ringhoff & Nicole Opritza — were invited to join the children at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 50th Anniversary Home Opener against the New York Jets.

Steve Castro, Vision Health Program Manager, shared, "Watching the children cheer, clap, and jump with excitement as they recognized their favorite players and read jersey numbers across the field was something extraordinary. Their shouts of 'I can see everything now!' and the endless stream of high-fives reminded us, in the most joyful way, just how powerful the gift of sight truly is."

Steve recounts how their hearts were as full as the stands that afternoon. "These children reminded all of us why we do what we do."

09/22/2025

Kris never worried about his eyesight—until mornings became a blur, pain worsened, and light burned. Words and numbers danced on screens.

Diagnosed with Fuchs’ Dystrophy, he knew a cornea transplant was inevitable. As his vision and confidence declined, he faced surgery nervously but with hope, knowing even modest improvement could restore clarity and independence.

Learn more about Kris’ story: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/jA6xyCU

09/18/2025

Oh what a night! Together, we raised $300,000 for the LWVI Foundation to restore sight and change lives, .

Thank you for making the Eye Ball an unforgettable success!

09/17/2025

The Eye Ball was a vision! Everyone looked fabulous in their Roaring 20’s attire and these photos are absolutely gorgeous.

09/15/2025

Lions World Vision Institute was proud to sponsor the ACHE of Central Florida Women in Leadership Conference in Orlando! This inspiring event brought together over 400 incredible men and women from across to share insights, celebrate progress, and collaborate for the future.

Our very own Heather Hensley, CTBS, Director of Partner Relations, had the honor of representing LWVI and connecting with leaders from our partner hospitals including Orlando Health, AdventHealth and .

09/13/2025

The 51st Annual Conference gathered Florida’s Medical Examiners and forensic experts on Okaloosa Island for three days of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

Our Lions World Vision Institute partner relations team was proud to take part, connecting with colleagues and contributing to the important conversations shaping the future of forensic science.

From impactful presentations to a beachside luau finale 🌊🎶, it was a powerful reminder of the expertise and dedication across this field.

Here’s to 51 years of advancing forensic science in Florida and to the teams making it happen every day.

09/12/2025

Michael was a light in the lives of so many—his parents, Stephanie and Jerry, his brother, his partner, and her children. Nearly four years ago, at just 28, he died by su***de, leaving behind a quiet ache and a deep longing to understand.

Amid the sorrow, his legacy continues to shine through love, generosity, and the choice he made years earlier: to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

Learn more about Michael’s story here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/ympwpmK

09/10/2025

The 2025 Eye Ball was the cat’s pajamas, and thanks to you it was a roaring success. From dazzling gowns to dapper tuxes, the evening was straight out of the Jazz Age.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite snapshots from this unforgettable night, thanks to our photo sponsor Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A. Relive the sparkle, the laughter, and the spirit of giving that made it all shine brighter than a speakeasy chandelier.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in support of restoring sight and changing lives. You make the magic possible.

09/05/2025

Lions World Vision Institute is excited to welcome two outstanding leaders to our team!

⭐ Julie S. Caldro has been named Chief Operating Officer
⭐ Alyssa Harrison, EdD, MBA has been appointed Vice President of Operations

Both Julie and Alyssa bring decades of experience in organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation. Their expertise and passion will strengthen our mission to restore sight, provide healing and transform lives around the world.

“Julie and Alyssa bring tremendous experience and passion to LWVI,” said Jason K. Woody, President & CEO. “We’re building on our legacy with the addition of these exceptional leaders.”

As COO, Julie will oversee day-to-day operations, optimize performance, and help guide long-term strategy. Alyssa, as VP of Operations, will focus on strengthening processes and driving innovation across the organization.

Together, they will play key roles in advancing LWVI’s vision: ensuring that more people worldwide have access to the gift of sight and healing through cornea and tissue donation and transplants.

Please join us in welcoming Julie and Alyssa to the LWVI family!

Address

1410 N 21st Street
Tampa, FL
33605

Telephone

+18132891200

Website

http://www.LWVI.org/

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Our Vision is to help others see.

Our Mission: To set new standards for ocular endeavors that will improve visual outcomes and quality of life for those who are blind or visually impaired.