ClearVision Optical decided it was time to get involved. The Hauppauge, N.Y.-based vendor forged a partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of Suffolk County a year ago when both companies were among those honored by the Hauppauge Industrial Association for business excellence.

During his acceptance speech, UCP Suffolk CEO Stephen H. Friedman urged the audience to take time out of their busy schedules to volunteer for any not-for-profit organization. ClearVision Optical took Friedman up on that challenge.

David Friedfeld, ClearVision president, approached UCP Suffolk at the close of the awards ceremony and asked how they could become involved with the organization. Friedfeld explained he and his staff truly believe everyone can make a positive difference by volunteering.

People with vision impairments often need more than one pair of glasses annually and insurance does not always cover the cost. This can be especially true for persons with disabilities. So ClearVision sought to solve this dilemma for more than 75 adults and children served by UCP Suffolk. Setting up shop at UCP’s Hauppauge site, ClearVision donated time and the talent of eyewear specialists to meet the vision needs of UCP program participants.

Lens prescriptions were donated by Davis Vision. After each participant presented an Rx, they were then allowed to choose frames. ClearVision’s in-house optician, Marty Mast (pictured), ensured the right frame fit for each person.

“It is a wonderful to see how happy ClearVision and Davis Vision have made these UCP clients,” says Brenda Litzky, ClearVision’s director of vendor relations and chairperson of the ClearVision Cares committee who was the primary organizer of the event. “The excitement we saw in the UCP clients faces in being able to select from designer frames was so rewarding for everyone involved. UCP of Suffolk is an amazing organization and we are so glad we could help them make a difference.”