Founded in 2003 as The Amblyopia Foundation of America, we are the nation's only nonprofit health organization dedicated solely to establishing a nationwide vision screening program for schoolchildren.

Our mission is to protect our nation’s children and their families from the devastating effects of undetected visual disorders.

To fulfill this mission, we understand that all school age children must have their vision screened to maximize opportunity for treatment.

We aspire to introduce a nationwide vision screening program by collaborating with other non-profit organizations, government agencies, corporate America, and committed individuals. We will improve vision screenings for millions of school children by making them more accessible, affordable, accurate and fun.

Seeking to serve as a catalyst to develop and standardize large-scale vision screenings, we use automation that dramatically expands the capacity to conduct such screenings.

As its cornerstone, our revolutionary approach employs proprietary software technology, EyeSpy 20/20, created by Childsplay Vision Systems. A child’s vision is assessed in a standardized, cost-effective manner while he or she “plays” a two-to-three minute video game. EyeSpy 20/20 has recently been scientifically validated by an independent university. The Medical University of South Carolina’s Storm Eye Institute’s double-blind study has shown it to have a sensitivity and specificity in excess of 90% which is comparable to results achieved by a certified ophthalmic technician using a ‘gold standard’ device for assessing vision. With this cutting edge technology the method finally exists to provide wide-scale vision screenings to children with confidence that the results will be accurate and reliable, that the test is cost-effective, and that data will be gathered so the true impact of vision disorders can be assessed.

Depending on the method used, the cost of vision screenings, which are currently mandated in only 31 states and not required annually, can reach as high as $75 per child. Our vision screenings can be implemented for approximately $5 per child.

Distribution of our vision screening program is focused in schools, through government health programs and via other vision-related nonprofit organizations. Schools are the most efficient distribution channel because they offer the single largest venue for reaching children.

We are conducting widespread screenings in school districts in Arizona and South Carolina, where nearly 50,000 children have been screened in over 100 schools, illustrating the capacity of the program. The results of these initial successes will contribute to a strategic plan for nationwide implementation.

The Founders

James W. O’Neil, M.D.

A board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. O’Neil has been treating childhood vision disorders for more than a decade. A highly-experienced surgeon trained in laser surgery for Retinopathy of Prematurity, a blinding condition of premature infants, Dr. O’Neil established the first Retinopathy of Prematurity telemedicine program in Arizona, to provide remote eye examinations of premature infants via the Internet.

Having utilized computer and Internet technology for the treatment and diagnosis of childhood vision disorders, Dr. O’Neil recognized how similar technology could deliver an efficient and cost-effective vision screening program for school children. This solution, to address the lack of viable and accessible vision screenings offered to children, is the basis for the creation of VisionQuest 20/20.

Photo: The future Drs. O'Neil. Jim with his twin brother, Ken (on right). Ken was diagnosed with amblyopia at age 5 and it was successfully treated with glasses and eye patching. Today, Ken relies on sharp vision as a practicing radiologist.

Charles D. Tardibuono

Mr. Tardibuono is an accomplished software engineer and innovator with extensive experience developing simulation applications for both the public and private sectors, including vision-related programs. His growing fascination with developing a technological solution to detect vision disorders led him to partner with Dr. O’Neil and Richard Tirendi.

Mr. Tardibuono and his family were also personally motivated to create this organization. His son, Ryan (pictured), has Down’s syndrome, and children with this condition are at increased risk for developing vision complications. Mr. Tardibuono and his spouse established a charitable organization to research education for children with special needs, and his involvement with VisionQuest 20/20 is an extension of that effort.

Richard S. Tirendi

At age five, Mr. Tirendi awoke one morning to find that he had lost his vision due to poisonous insect bite. While the condition was treatable and his vision restored, he never forgot the fear and sadness he experienced, and his passion is manifested in his commitment to VisionQuest 20/20.

Mr. Tirendi is a successful electrical and computer engineer, with numerous patents in his field. Grateful for his gift of sight and compelled to find solutions to ensure that school children across the country are not impacted by preventable vision disorders, Mr. Tirendi is deeply invested, along with his co-founders, in the success of VisionQuest 20/20.

Photo: Shortly after recovery, relieved he can see his new brother Jason.