Zenni, Columbus Crew & Whitehall Schools: Collaborating for Kids’ Vision and Community Well-being

Last September, Zenni partnered with the Columbus Crew and the Whitehall School District to host an engaging event at Lower.com Stadium, focusing on children’s vision health. Welcoming over 400 kindergarten and first-grade students, the day blended fun activities, access to vision care, and opportunities for kids to take pride in their own unique style.

This event was a hands-on demonstration of what happens when community organizations come together to address real needs. Our collective goal is to make vision screenings part of a memorable day, connect families with key health resources, and ensure every child can participate.

Why Access to Vision Care Matters

Clear sight is vital for kids’ success at school and in life. Yet many children, especially in underserved communities, face barriers to getting the screenings and corrective lenses they need. Zenni believes everyone deserves accessible, affordable, and quality eye care, and we’re committed to supporting partner-led school and community programs that help close those gaps.

At this event, we conducted over 270 vision screenings, and more than 78% of students were referred for follow-up care—a reminder of the significant role early detection can play in a child’s academic and developmental success.

A Day of Learning, Play, and Belonging

The partnership created a space for kids to learn about eye health in a relaxed and energetic setting. Columbus Crew soccer players Hugo Picard and Abraham Romero, along with the team mascot, Crew Cat, joined in to encourage every child, whether they were decorating crafts or practicing soccer skills on the field.

The smiles we witnessed came from kids feeling welcomed, seen, and empowered. It’s authentic moments like these that underscore the value of inclusive, community-driven health programs.’

Equipping Every Child with EyeQLenz™

A key part of Zenni’s commitment is making quality, modern eye care available to all. Every child at the event was fitted with EyeQLenz™ with ID Guard™ lenses, designed to address the real-world needs of young eyes. EyeQLenz™ with ID Guard™ lenses offers broad-spectrum protection from UV, blue light, and infrared, adapting to changing light levels—our most advanced all-in-one solution, designed for modern life. Our focus is always on providing the best for families, balancing affordability, safety, and choice, while adopting the latest in lens innovation to allow everyone to see clearly and confidently.

Explore EyeQLenz™ with ID Guard™ Here

Building Community Through Collaboration

For Zenni, corporate social responsibility isn’t just a talking point; it informs how we partner, give, and plan for the future. Partnership with local districts, sports organizations, and civic groups is a cornerstone of our mission. Our partners, the Columbus Crew, Whitehall Schools, and supporting city leaders, share our focus on developing sustainable and inclusive solutions for youth and families. Events like these are about more than vision care; they’re about building resilient, healthy, and connected communities.

Thank You for Being Part of This Mission

To the Columbus Crew, the Whitehall district, educators, families, and the local leaders who joined us: thank you for helping create meaningful access and a day full of excitement for children in Columbus, Ohio. Together, we want to keep building a future where every family can see, and be seen, clearly. For more details on our community initiatives and products, visit Zenni’s Impact for family-friendly eyewear and wellness resources.