It doesn’t take investigative powers of CSI caliber to figure out I have a personal connection to the opening feature on vision therapy for children on page 32. My son along with optometrist Michele Bessler, his weekly therapists and his mother were the stars in a quest for vision equal to the task, trials and tribute that is this wonderful thing called life.

What I witnessed in these last three years was nothing short of a hard-earned miracle as a little boy and his optical support team honed the precious sight he will need to see the world on his terms, at his pace and through eyes prepped to face the challenges of his growing universe.

This little story is a terrific instance for the optical community to puff up its chest and be proud of huge accomplishments often unheralded. I applaud all of you.


My son calls me Daddy O. I have no idea where he got that from. Maybe it’s rub-off from all the ’50s jazz I cherish. Or perhaps it has something to do with the constant opportunities I take to herald the three Os in print and verbally. I can get pretty loud and maybe he heard me enunciating one of those Os. He’s certainly on the verge of sitting down with 20/20 and reading and understanding it fully. Take a bow as he delves into your world in print. You were there for us. And we, at 20/20, are here for you.

So say hello to Gram in his new adult (he’s got a BIG head) glasses: Marchon’s NIKE style 8022 (fitted with Transitions lenses) to deal with his sunny side and FLEXON style 639 for every day’s normal challenges.

James J. Spina
Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]