Association Spotlight: The Vision Council Foundation

The Vision Council Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling better vision for better lives. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, The Vision Council Foundation strives to improve eye health awareness and access through public education campaigns and critical market research, as well as optical industry career path programming and scholarships. The Vision Council Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Vision Council, a member organization representing the manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of the optical industry.

For this edition of Association Spotlight, we spoke with Abigail Crosby, Partnership and Business Development Manager, to learn more about what the organization offers for optical professionals.

iHire: When was The Vision Council Foundation founded?

Abigail Crosby: Operating as the Better Vision Institute (BVI) since 1929, the organization was acquired by the Vision Industry Council of America, which later became known as The Vision Council in 1985. The related educational body was reimagined and relaunched as The Vision Council Foundation in 2024.

iHire: What is the driving purpose of your association?

AC: The Vision Council Foundation strives to expand the knowledge, access, and opportunities needed for professionals and consumers alike to make informed decisions about eye health.

iHire: Can you give us some more information about your member base?

AC: Our membership base includes companies and professionals from the following divisions within The Vision Council:

• Eyeware & Accessories
• Lens, Lab & Lens Processing Technology
• Retail
• Contact Lens
• Over the Counter
• Healthcare
• Technology
• Supplier/Other

iHire: What type of continuing education do you offer?

AC: The Vision Council Foundation is home to the Opening Yours Eyes Scholarship Program (OYES). OYES is designed to provide financial assistance and career opportunities to students from underrepresented communities pursuing a degree in ophthalmic dispensing.

iHire: Do you host any industry events?

AC: The Vision Council is the co-owner of Vision Expo, a leading trade show for the optical industry. The Vision Council also hosts an annual Executive Summit that brings together industry leaders for several days of executive-level networking and leadership development. Additional events include National Sunglasses Day celebrations, Emerging Optical Leaders retreats, and various informative webinars.

To learn more about The Vision Council Foundation, visit thevisioncouncilfoundation.org.