How a Conversation at Vision Expo Became “Modern Vision For All”

In March, GoodVision USA Executive Director Matt Gianino struck up a conversation with Ken Weissman, President and CEO of Modern Optical International, on the show floor at Vision Expo. They talked about GoodVision’s work, Modern’s commitment to giving back, and what more the optical industry could do. Modern Optical’s long history of being philanthropic and belief in GoodVision’s sustainable approach to solving the global vision care crisis proved there were many areas where our priorities and values were aligned. 

A few days later, Matt sent a follow-up email and Ken wrote back within hours: “Thank you for your email and for making my day. Let’s go.” 

That reply set into motion a few months of conversations between GoodVision, Modern Optical, and fellow nonprofit EyeCare4Kids. 

By June, the conversation that started at Vision Expo had a name: Modern Vision For All, a program through which Modern Optical donates $1 for every qualifying frame a practice orders, at no added cost to the practice itself. The funds split evenly between GoodVision and EyeCare4Kids, supporting vision care for children and families both in the US and in the communities GoodVision serves abroad. Modern Optical has set a 2026 goal of $20,000. 

“Modern Vision for All is built on the belief that when our industry comes together, we can create opportunities that extend far beyond eyewear,” said Ken. “Every frame represents more than a product. It represents a chance for a child to see the classroom more clearly, for a parent to provide for their family, and for communities around the world to thrive. We are honored to partner with EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision to help make that possible.” 

It was not the first time Modern Optical has leveraged its role as a leader in the optical industry to help make vision care more accessible to everyone. Among many other initiatives over the last several decades, they have been perennial supporters of the Vision of Hope Foundation and Eye See Eye Learn, a program that screens kindergartners for vision problems. 

“Sometime there is a natural hesitation for companies in our sector when considering partnering with a nonprofit like GoodVision,” said Matt. “There are often much higher priorities and concerns about the ROI of these kinds of investments. What the Weissmans and Modern Optical do is the opposite of hesitation. They see a need, visualize an opportunity, then take action. It is the very spirit that serves as the foundation of my optimism that the global vision care crisis will be solved in my lifetime.” 

Practices interested in joining Modern Vision For All can enroll through Modern Optical, at no cost at https://modernoptical.formstack.com/forms/modernvisionforall.