Frequently Asked Questions

Childhood Vision Stats

The Need & Solution

The Organization

Sponsorship

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The Need & Solution

Q: How many American children are affected by vision disorders?
A: Up to 25% of American school children are affected by vision problems and could suffer significant vision loss if conditions are not diagnosed early.

Q: What are the costs to the individual, and to society, when vision disorders like amblyopia are left undetected?
A: Once the effects of vision disorders like amblyopia have set in, individuals may require as much as $2,500 each in annual treatment, for their lifetime. With a total annual economic impact to society for all individuals affected by vision loss to be more than $50 billon annually.

Q: How does VisionQuest 20/20's program differ from other vision screening methods?
A: The screening process itself is accurate, accessible, affordable and fun for children. VisionQuest 20/20 is based on an automated approach, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of every screening conducted. It is the only program available that automates individual reports and provides a comprehensive database to easily manage results.

The program's administration is more cost-effective than traditional screening techniques, and can be implemented on a national scale without relying on heavy staffing or requiring substantial training. VisionQuest 20/20's program costs around $5 per child, compared to other options that cost as high as $100 per child.

Q: Who developed the VisionQuest 20/20 program?
A: Founders James O'Neil, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist, and engineer Richard Tirendi, personally developed this program through VisionQuest 20/20.

Q: Has VisionQuest 20/20 been able to implement a nationwide vision screening program?
To date more than 160,000 children have been screened with VisionQuest 20/20’s program EyeSpy 20/20™. The programming logic to implement a nationwide effort exists; adequate funding and support from individuals and partners can make nationwide vision screening available quickly.

The Organization

Q: What is the Mission of VisionQuest 20/20?
A: VisionQuest 20/20 is working to eliminate undetected vision disorders and preventable blindness in children. The organization will fulfill its mission by not only championing state of the art vision screening technology, but by educating and collaborating with others in the charge to establish a nationwide vision screening standards for children.

Q: How is VisionQuest 20/20 funded?
A: As a nonprofit organization, VisionQuest 20/20 relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, grant-making foundations, charitable partnerships and other funding sources to underwrite vision screenings for children. Its Founders and a volunteer Board of Directors also support the organization.

Q: How does the VisionQuest 20/20 program work?
A: VisionQuest 20/20 uses automation to dramatically expand access to vision screenings. VisionQuest 20/20's innovative method utilizes software technology created by our Founders James W. O'Neil, M.D. and Richard S. Tirendi. A child's vision is assessed in a standardized, cost-effective manner while he or she "plays" a two-to-three minute video game. The program has natural synergies with schools, where the largest number of children can be reached.

Q: Who leads VisionQuest 20/20?
A: VisionQuest 20/20 is a non-profit organization, and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with representatives from the private sector, health care, education and the community at large. Day-to-day operations are managed by Co- Founder and CEO Richard Tirendi and staff in our Mesa, Arizona office. The staff receives support as needed from experts in development and grant funding, public relations and marketing.

Q: What difference can VisionQuest 20/20 make?
A: In addition to providing a program that will result in dramatic cost savings to taxpayers, VisionQuest 20/20 can help children live more productive and happy lives by ensuring their vision health is protected. By detecting treatable vision disorders in children, VisionQuest 20/20 will make certain that our country's most vulnerable population is no longer devastated by treatable and preventable optical diseases.

Sponsorship

Q: How can my business or I contribute?
A: Each $5 contribution provides a complete vision screening for a child, broadening their access to quality health care, increasing their chances of scholastic, athletic, social and economic success, and improving the life and success of your community as a whole.

By donating to our Free Screenings Campaign, your donation directly supports the larger movement to end preventable blindness in children by helping to provide every school age child in the United States with a reliable and comprehensive vision screening through our vision screening program, EyeSpy 20/20™. You many designate your donation at a state level, or even to specific school district or school.

Q: Will I be recognized for my donation?
A: Individuals or businesses donating $1,000 or more will be recognized on our website, with the option of a hyperlink.

Q: May I promote my business by supporting a local school(s)?
A: With a sponsorship (dollar amounts vary, and are determined by each school) a business or organization may promote themselves directly on the vision screening reports. EyeSpy 20/20™ screening reports are designed to be distributed by the school to each student’s family and have an area for schools to prominently recognize the sponsor's name and message.

Visit SeetoSuceed.org to learn about the business benefits of sponsoring a school in your community.