A Clearer Future: Zenni and Columbus Crew Team Up to Bring Vision Care to Ohio Students

Together, we’re helping more than 1,000 young learners access the resources for clearer vision and a brighter future.

At Zenni, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to see the world clearly. That’s why we’re proud to continue our partnership with the Columbus Crew, bringing accessible vision care, education, and a whole lot of fun to students in the Whitehall, Ohio community.

On September 28, 2026, Zenni and the Columbus Crew teamed up for our third year of school-based vision screenings in Whitehall. What began as a small community initiative has grown into a district-wide day of impact, with this year’s expanded effort designed to reach more than 1,000 students across three elementary schools.

Together with Optical Academy, OhioSEE, and Whitehall City Schools, we’re helping young learners kick off the school year with clearer vision, greater confidence, and the tools to thrive.

Bringing Clear Vision Into the Classroom
Healthy vision plays an important role in a child’s ability to learn, read, and confidently navigate the world around them. But for many families, accessing vision care can come with challenges, from transportation and scheduling to the cost of exams and prescription glasses.

By bringing vision services directly into schools, Zenni and our partners are helping remove those barriers and making it easier for children to receive the care they need.

At Kae Avenue Elementary, Zenni worked alongside Optical Academy to provide free vision screenings, eye exams, and access to prescription eyewear for kindergarten and first-grade students.

The results reinforced just how important these initiatives are. Of the 167 students screened at Kae Avenue, 37% were identified as needing vision correction. More than 300 students also participated in vision health education and activities throughout the day.

The initiative extended beyond Kae Avenue through OhioSEE, which supported vision services at Beechwood and Etna Road elementary schools, expanding the program’s reach across the district.

Together, these efforts represent a meaningful step toward making vision care more accessible for Whitehall’s youngest learners.

A Winning Combination of Soccer, Smiles, and Sight
Of course, no Columbus Crew event would be complete without a little soccer! Throughout the day, students enjoyed interactive activities, including mini soccer goals, foosball, Subsoccer, and coloring stations. The excitement continued with the opportunity to see the Crew’s MLS Cup trophy and celebrate alongside Crew Cat.

The event also welcomed Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, who joined students for a special pep rally and visited the vision screening activation, highlighting the importance of children’s vision health and early learning.

By combining eye health education with playful, hands-on experiences, the event helped make vision care feel approachable, exciting, and empowering for some of the community’s youngest learners.

Growing Our Impact, Year After Year
What started in 2024 as a vision screening initiative reaching approximately 120 first graders has grown into a much larger community effort.

In 2025, the program expanded to reach more than 450 attendees. This year, the collaboration took another exciting step forward, with a district-wide initiative designed to serve more than 1,000 students across three elementary schools, representing nearly nine times the reach of its first year.

This continued growth reflects the power of long-term partnerships and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Through our collaboration with the Columbus Crew, Optical Academy, OhioSEE, and Whitehall City Schools, we’re demonstrating how sports, education, and community partnerships can come together to create opportunities that extend far beyond the field.

Because when we work together to make vision care more accessible, everyone wins.

Seeing the Possibilities Ahead
At Zenni, we know that clear vision can open doors to new opportunities, from reading a favorite book to scoring a goal on the soccer field.

Events like these are a reminder that making a difference starts with showing up for our communities and finding meaningful ways to make eye care more accessible.

We’re grateful to the Columbus Crew, Optical Academy, OhioSEE, Whitehall City Schools, and everyone who helped bring this special day to life.

Together, we’re helping the next generation see a brighter future, one pair of glasses at a time.

See more. Do more. Dream bigger.
Learn more about Zenni’s commitment to making vision care accessible and how we’re helping communities see the possibilities ahead.