Community Impact Award: The Kansas City Free Eye Clinic with Gladstone Elementary School

Core Bank has awarded the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic (KCFEC) the Community Impact Award of $2,500 to enhance its essential services. This funding will support the purchase of glasses, frames, lenses, equipment maintenance, and outreach programs aimed at homeless shelters and underserved schools.

KCFEC’s mission is to protect vision through community awareness, collaboration among eye care professionals, and hands-on education for aspiring eye care students. They focus on two vulnerable groups: children and homeless individuals living below 250% of the federal poverty level. Many in Kansas City struggle with undiagnosed vision problems due to financial constraints and limited healthcare access.

In 2024, KCFEC partnered with Heart to Heart International and University Health to bring their mobile eye care to Gladstone Elementary School in the Northeast Neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. The students served come from many backgrounds and our materials have been translated to Spanish, Somali, Burmese, and Arabic! Some require translators, including a sign language interpreter.

Children with poor vision often face academic challenges that can lead to long-term disadvantages, while homeless individuals rely on their sight to navigate daily life. Children are more likely to succeed academically, participate in activities, sports, socially engage with others, and navigate their environments safely. when they have good vision.

1 in 4 children have a vision disorder that requires treatment by an eye doctor, but most may never get diagnosed. This is due in part to the fact that school vision screenings can miss up to 75% of children with vision problems.

KCFEC’s programs aim to fill these gaps, but ongoing support is essential for their operations, covering medical supplies, equipment maintenance, client transportation, and staffing. Without sustained funding, many will continue to face significant hardships related to vision loss and educational barriers.

The Community Impact Award aligns with Core Bank’s commitment to economic and community development, focusing on improving prosperity and resilience for under-resourced individuals and families. Through this partnership, Core Bank and KCFEC strive to create healthier, more inclusive communities. Whether you are an eye care professional or a student, there are many ways to get involved with helping the KCFEC.

The Glimmer Gala takes place on November 9th. This event will feature a cocktail hour and 3-course dinner, along with exciting Getaway raffle packages, the ever popular 50/50 raffle and game, interactive visual displays, and entertainment by KC Aerial Arts. Listen to Birju Solanki, Executive Director and Founder on The Core Experience Podcast. Save-the-Date for the next Core Bank KC Donation Drive supporting the Kansas City Free Eye Clinic December 9th-13th.