Kudos to giant Dr. Floyd Mizener!

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” (Isaac Newton)

This post is dedicated to my giant… Dr. Floyd Mizener.

Eight years ago, this exceptional person looked up my phone number after reading about me in the American Optometric Association News.  It was my lucky day!

During the summer of 2002, I learned my eldest daughter’s first eye exam diagnosed a significant vision problem missed by vision screenings.

I wrote a letter to the American Optometric Association sharing my passion for better children’s eye care.  That letter was featured by editor Bob Foster in the AOA NEWS August 26, 2002 issue, “From Blurry Chalkboards to Grateful Parents.”

When Dr. Mizener read about my mission, he wasted no time and called me:  ”Janet, I’ve been trying to get eye exams for kids for over 50 years.  Vision screenings have misled parents for decades.  I can help.  I will give you all the ammunition you need!”

Dr. Mizener, Dr. Woods, Dr. Vogel, Dr. Kernis, Amy, Lisa, Julie, Mark, and Grammy in 2003.

That’s when I began learning about lenses, prisms, and the marriage of two eyes working as one!

Dr. Mizener also led me to his great friends Dr. Larry Vogel, the late Dr. Floyd Woods, and the late Dr. Irving Kernis.

Together they formed the “Optometric Four Horsemen” and rallied beside me as we created the the first Vision First form and passed Amy’s Vision Law and required eye exams for children starting school.

Dr. Mizener, if I could reach up and hold a star for every time you made a difference in someone’s life, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.

Thank you for taking me under your wing and being my giant!

Doris Mochel, Dr. Elliot Politzer, Dr. Floyd Mizener, and Dr. Larry Vogel in 2007.

In addition to being co-founder and vice-president of Vision First Foundation, Dr. Mizener is also past president of the Illinois Optometric Association, past president of the Downers Grove Noon Lions Club, and a recipient of the prestigious Melvin Jones Award.

Dr. Mizener is known for his outstanding service and dedication to the Lions Club for over 50 years.

Copyright © 2010 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

Dr. and Mrs. Mizener, Dr. and Mrs. Schlange at the South Suburban Christmas Party in 2009.

Lions Floyd Mizener, George Swimmer, and Jim Addington

Dr. Mizener and friends at a Downers Grove Noon Lions Club meeting.

Dr. Mizener, Dr. Tannenbaum, and Dr. Vogel

Dr. Mizener and Dr. Steve Leon

We love you Dr. Mizener! From your friends and fellow Board members at Vision First Foundation

Kudos to IDPH Director Dr. Damon Arnold and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White

Holidays, parties, picnics and booze. Did you know I’m also an advocate to stop drinking and driving?

Last October, I attended the annual fundraiser for the non-profit group AAIM, Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists.

AAIM provides life-saving programs to help victims of drunk driving crashes and works hard to prevent future tragedies.

AAIM’s 2009 benefit “Shining Down From Heaven” touched hearts and renewed spirits.

Surrounded by families, friends, and one courageous offender who turned his life around, Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men provided the perfect song “One Sweet Day” during the DVD tribute to crash victims.

Over 125 silent auction items were donated. Many thanks to Secretary of State Jesse White and his silent auction gift. I considered it an honor to have lunch with one of Illinois’ leaders. Because of my donation made to AAIM’s worthy cause, I won this special privilege.

Last week we dined at the Rosebud Prime restaurant in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) director Dr. Damon Arnold joined us as my guest!

I met Dr. Arnold last October at the Plano Vision Development Center fundraiser where he received the Humanitarian Award. Many thanks to Dr. Arnold, too, for his dedication and service to children.

The Secretary and Dr. Arnold were charming, fascinating, and inspiring!   Read their great biographies here: Jesse White and Dr. Arnold.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Honorable Jesse White, Dr. Arnold, and all the wonderful giving people at AAIM.  Your tireless efforts are making a difference!


Copyright © 2010 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

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Read more about AAIM and drunk driving facts here…

Besides fighting drunk driving, Secretary White also:

• Supports organ donation Are you an organ donor?
• Instituted parental access to teen driving records. Parents…check this out!
• Strengthened teen driving requirements. Do you know the law?
• Founded the Jesse White Tumbling Team. Did you know this team helps kids stay away from gangs, drugs, alcohol and smoking?

Think twice before drinking and driving!

Think twice before getting into a car with someone drinking and driving!

Listen to “One Sweet Day” on YouTube below…

Members Making a Difference...Kudos to Vision First secretary Mrs. Nora Waliczek

During 2003, a story in my local paper about Senate Bill 805 prompted a special person to call me…Mrs. Nora Waliczek.

“Thank you for Amy’s Vision Law,” she cried. “I tried over thirty years ago to get a bill passed but it failed when the screeners and medical doctors lobbied against eye exams. I think it’s great that finally there’s a law in favor of what’s best for children’s vision.”

Mrs. Nora Waliczek, an Illinois PTA honorary life member and former Illinois PTA Valley Area council president, experienced the shortfalls of vision screenings during the 1970′s.  As another parent whose child fell through the cracks of a broken system, we became instant friends.

“When my son passed his vision screenings, his teachers and I thought his eyes were okay. But it wasn’t true. My son struggled with reading until an eye exam with an optometrist found his vision problem and treated him with vision therapy.”

Illinois PTA adopts resolution "Required Vision Exam Before Entering Kindergarten" in 2004

Nora shared with me her dad often told her, “If you want to do something, you find a way. When you don’t want to do something, you find excuses.”

Nora and I joined forces to raise the standards of eye care for our children’s visual welfare.

Illinois PTA’s annual convention was first in 2004.

Every child. One Voice. Join the PTA!

Together with the late Dr. Floyd Woods, we persuaded the delegates to support the resolution, “Required Vision Exam Before Entering Kindergarten.” It was a tremendous experience! Read more about our dear friend Dr. Woods here…

Success breeds success. Also a member of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), Nora gave the newly adopted PTA resolution to her local teachers’ union, Local 571 in 2005.

The IFT unanimously adopted the resolution! Two years later, Illinois had required eye exams for all children starting school. Read the full story here…

All children should have an eye exam before starting school.

Kudos to Mrs. Nora Waliczek for being a pioneer in caring that our children see a bright and beautiful future!

In addition to serving on the Vision First board as secretary, Nora recently retired as a teacher’s aide in a suburban Chicago school district. She enjoys knitting original garments and designing beautiful floral pieces. Also a breast cancer survivor, Nora doesn’t let anything stand in her way.  She continues to advocate for organ donors on behalf of her son who is in need of a kidney transplant.

Nora and her husband, Rich, have two sons and are the proud grandparents of four boys and a new puppy girl named, “Lola.” Read about her grandson’s first eye exam here…

Thank you, Nora, for all you do for PTA, too!

Make a difference in the eyes of child!

1. KNOW vision screening is not a substitute for eye examination.

2. MAKE comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child’s healthcare.

3. KEEP eye care health and good vision habits a priority.

Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here.

Receive updates and important news.

Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold.

Sign-up here today!

Thank you for your interest and support.

Let's bring children's vision into the 21st century.

We love you Nora!

Copyright © 2010 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

John and Lion Jim Addington, 1st Vice Governor Elect for District 1-J at the 52nd annual convention.

Sight saving programs, hearing loss prevention, diabetes awareness…
name the cause and your local Lions club is ready to help!

“Members Making a Difference” this month features a leading group of dedicated volunteers from the largest service organization in the world— Lions Clubs International.

Kudos to the Lions clubs in Illinois’ District 1-J for outstanding community service!

District 1-J Governor Lion George Endean, his wife Sharon, John, and Lion Leo Snyder, 2nd Vice Governor Elect

Thanks to District 1-J Governor George Endean, Lion Jim Addington, and Lion Floyd Mizener, my youngest son John and I attended our first Lions convention.

As the parent behind Illinois’ two recent laws for children’s vision, the timing couldn’t have been better.

Read more about Amy’s Vision Law here and required eye exams before starting school here.

Kudos to 45,000 Lions clubs worldwide!

Lions Clubs are known all over the world for their commitment to preventing blindness and preserving sight. The perfect tie-in to Vision First Foundation!

Vision First hosted a table filled with information about our new non-profit group and our Kids Eyes Count Campaign.

Did you know there is a big difference between vision screenings and eye exams? View this short video here…

We met many fine Lions who are making a difference in their hometowns: sponsoring vision and hearing impaired children to Camp Lions; collecting used eyeglasses; providing holiday meals to needy families; donating scholarship money to college kids in need; sponsoring “Ski for Sight” and “Someone Special;” as well as supporting the Lions of Illinois Foundation and the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

Lion Richard Butz, president of Naperville Noon Lions Club with John, age 5. Illinois law requires an eye exam for all children starting kindergarten.

District 1-J fulfills the Lions mission: “to empower volunteers to serve their communities.”

Congratulations to all members for leading the way in helping others!

District 1-J is one of 12 districts in Illinois. Five regions of clubs have about 2700 members in 71 towns such as:

Bartlett
Clarendon Hills
Crystal Lake
Darien
DeKalb
Downers Grove
Elgin
Elburn
Geneva
Hinckley
Johnsburg
Lombard
Oak Brook
South Elgin
Sycamore
Westmont
West Chicago
Wheaton

Lion Ketan Kansara from Wood Dale signs up and joins the Kids Eyes Count Campaign!

Make a difference in the eyes of a child! Follow three simple steps in the “Kids Eyes Count Campaign.”

KNOW vision screening is not a substitute for eye examination.

MAKE comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child’s healthcare.

KEEP eye care health and good vision habits a priority.

Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here. Receive updates and important news.

Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold.

Sign-up here today!

Many thanks again to all Lions Club members. You’re living your motto, “We Serve!” God bless your efforts and all the good will you bring to others!

Learn how Lions Clubs can support Vision First Foundation here…

Copyright © 2010 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

Vision screening is not a substitute for an eye examination.

John's slinky entertains Lions Ed & Gary!

Over 1.3 million members worldwide make Lions Clubs the leader in community service.

Lion Dale from Batavia proud to be a Lion

Sign-up here and be on the Kids Eyes Count email list. Alana did!

Lion Nancy Cummings from Downers Grove Noon club with a future Leo!

Leo clubs give young people a chance to volunteer and help others, too.

Lions sponsor vision and hearing impaired children to Camp Lions.

Lions sponsor Ski for Sight for the blind.

John takes a break and eats P & J.

Lions clubs empower volunteers to serve their communities.

Lions are known worldwide for their commitment to preserving sight.

Name the cause and your local Lions club is ready to help.

Keep eye care health and good vision habits a priority.

International guest and convention keynote speaker Lion Joe Preston

Did you know every vision screening should have a disclaimer?

NO Lions club in your area? Don't worry. You can start one!

Lions collect and recyle used glasses.

Healthy eyes and good vision are a child's best school supply!

Lions also have fun! Lion Bruce sings the Slinky song to John!

Lion Brian Clevenger, president of Batavia Lions Club

Make comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child's health care.

Lions make new friends. Lions Karyn and Ray are my inspiration!

Lion Gary Vician of Naperville Noon

Lion Bob Jilke, District 1-J Trustee and Lion Ken from Lions of Illinois Foundation

Lions make a difference. Join your local Lions Club today!

Uncle Jack welcomes Flat Stanley to Colorado!

Did you know a child struggling with reading could really have an undetected vision problem?

Thanks to my eldest son’s first grade teacher, a simple homework assignment turned the subject of reading into a great learning adventure about children’s vision.

“Members Making a Difference” this month features my wonderful Uncle Jack and Stanley Lambchop, a beloved fictional character flattened by a bulletin board who now travels the world in an envelope inspiring children and adults to read.

Colorado's famous beautiful park!

Experts estimate 80% of all learning comes through the eyes. When Uncle Jack welcomed Flat Stanley, I thought this was the perfect chance to link good vision with better reading!

My son and his first grade class loved Uncle Jack’s letter. As a father of five and grandfather to eleven, Uncle Jack enjoyed hosting Flat Stanley for the week.

Hunting for dangerous bears, fishing at 8,787 feet above sea level, visiting “Garden of the Gods,” and camping in the mountains were sights Flat Stanley did not want to miss!

Eye exams are important before learning how to read.

Every child should have an eye exam before learning how to read.

The National Eye Institute reports, “Vision disorders are the number one handicapping condition in childhood. However, fewer than 15% of all preschool children have an eye exam.”

Unfortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children have vision screenings. Read “AAP Vision Policy Gets NSF” here…

It’s important parents know that vision screenings are limited and should never replace a comprehensive exam by an eye doctor.

Learn the difference between vision screenings and eye exams. Watch my daughter Amy and me in this helpful video made in 2004 here…

Comprehensive exams evaluate eye health, visual acuity, refraction, and visual efficiency.

During a comprehensive eye and vision exam, an optometrist or ophthalmologist should evaluate:

• Eye Health
• Visual Acuity
• Refraction
• Visual Efficiency

Important visual efficiency skills involved in reading include: eye tracking and peripheral vision; eye teaming and convergence; and eye focusing stamina and accuracy.

For more information on visual efficiency and another important part to the reading process called visual processing,  please visit “Vision and Reading” from www.VisionFirstFoundation.org.

The Vision First form provides an easy to understand format.  See form here…

Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri require an eye exam for all children starting school. Illinois is also the only state at this time to require a written notice as a disclaimer before a vision screening is conducted. Learn more about “Amy’s Vision Law” here…

Uncle Jack catches big bad bear!

Thank you, Uncle Jack, for making Flat Stanley’s visit a great learning experience about children’s vision.

All children deserve to have the best vision possible for reading and learning.

Your support is making a difference!

Flat Stanley climbs Pike's Peak with Uncle Jack!

Print cut-out here…

Directions for trips here…

Order books here…

Check out tips here…

Play games here…

If you suspect a child is struggling with reading, please visit an eye doctor who’s a member of COVD, College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Learn more here…

Make a difference in the eyes of child!

Follow 3 simple steps...

1. KNOW vision screening is not a substitute for eye examination.

2. MAKE comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child’s healthcare.

3. KEEP eye care health and good vision habits a priority.


Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here. Receive updates and important news.

Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold.
Sign-up here today!

Thank you for your interest and support.





Copyright © 2010 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

"Babies need an eye exam, too?" Cooper, age 5 months

Baby’s first Christmas, baby’s first step, baby’s first tooth… Parents love celebrating all those firsts with their new little one!

Did you know a baby should also have a first eye exam?

“Babies explore their world with their eyes,” explains Dr. Pete Kehoe, past president of the American Optometric Association and advocate of the public health program InfantSEE. “It’s important a baby’s eyes are checked to ensure healthy eyes and normal visual development. I’m thrilled to see Vision First and their Kids Eyes Count Campaign promote infant eye care.”

Cooper’s new parents couldn’t agree more. “Nothing is more important to me then protecting my child’s eyes,” said Cooper’s new mom, Cindy. “When you’re a mom, you see the world through the eyes of your child. Those eyes see and appreciate things that we adults take for granted.  It’s great there are groups supporting the best in children’s eye care.”

Baby wellness check-ups by a pediatrician should not be confused with eye care by an eye doctor. Even though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vision screenings for all children, parents need to know that a vision screening is not be a substitute for an eye examination. Vision screenings are limited. Only an eye doctor can identify vision problems and prescribe treatment.

Little Mark's first eye exam in 2002

The American Optometric Association recommends a baby’s first eye exam at 6 months of age. An optometrist will test for large or unequal amounts of refractive error, eye movement ability, and eye health.

“Babies are a pleasure to examine,” said Dr. Kehoe.  ”It’s great giving moms and dads the good news that their baby’s eyes are healthy and developing normally.  The InfantSEE exam is the perfect opportunity to educate parents about a lifetime of healthy vision.”

For babies 6-12 months

To ensure all babies have their first eye exam before their first birthday, optometrists who are members of InfantSEE will provide one free eye appointment for all babies who are between 6 -12 months of age as a no-cost public service.  Learn more about InfantSEE here…

Eye and vision problems are best detected and treated early. Thank you for your interest and support in bettering children’s eye care.

Cooper says, "Hey... this kid's eyes count!"

Follow three simple steps and be a part of the Kids Eyes Count Campaign:

1. KNOW vision screening is not a substitute for an eye examination.

2. MAKE comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child’s health care.

3. KEEP eye care health and good vision habits a priority.

Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here! Receive updates and important news. Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold.
Sign-up here today!

Learn how babies learn to see! Check out this great page from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) website here…

Check out this great page from the AOA’s website on infant’s vision here…


This post is the first of my new series called, “Members Making a Difference.” Look for a new special member each month. Enjoy!


Copyright © 2010 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

Bob Williams, executive director of the Optometric Extension Program (OEP) and Dr. Paul Harris (MD) at COVD convention

Attending the 39th annual convention of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) proved a great experience for Vision First from October 14-17, 2009.

Held at the Marriott Denver Tech Center in Denver, Colorado, each day was filled with exciting exhibits, meetings, and workshops about the latest in behavioral vision care.

I was thrilled to make a great number of influential contacts at this convention who will help in my efforts to protect our children’s vision.

COVD is a national organization that provides board certification for eye doctors and vision therapists in vision therapy, visual rehabilitation, and behavioral vision care.

For more information on COVD, please visit their website here.

Make a difference in the eyes of a child.  Join the “Kids Eyes Count Campaign.”

• KNOW vision screening is not a substitute for eye examination.
• MAKE comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child’s healthcare.
• KEEP eye care health and good vision habits a priority.

Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here. Receive updates and important news!

Please note Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold. Sign-up here today!

C O M I N G   S O O N!  Starting January 2010, each month Janet’s Journal will feature “Members making a difference!”

1. NEW VISITORS: The first 5 new visitors who join the Kids Eyes Count email list will have the option to be featured on Janet’s Journal!
2. EXISTING MEMBERS: The first 5 members to post a comment will have the option to be featured, too!

Make a difference here…

COVD Presidents-Current, past and future?

View more fun photos on the Vision First website here!

Thanks to everyone at COVD for all you do for children’s vision!

Shown to the left:  COVD President-Elect Dr. Brad Habermehl, Past-President Dr. Dan Fortenbacher, Immediate Past-President Dr. Carol Scott, and Dr. Phil Bugaiski.

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. —Jim Stovall

Thank you for your support of Vision First Foundation.

Fun at the banquet

COVD President Dr. Brad Habermehl (MI) and Dr. John Abbondanza (MA)

Janet tests eye/hand coordination

Applauding new COVD Fellow Dr. Shelley Kim of Illinois

Dining with Yogi Bear

Celebrating with COVD Past-President (1996-98) Dr. W.C. Maples of Tennessee

Webmasters Dr. Jarrod Davies (UT), Dr. David Damari (TN) and Dr. Robin Price (UT)

Paul Magaudda from California

Meeting author Sue Barry

Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown (Chicago, IL) receives two awards for nephew and star football player Larry Fitzgerald

Dr. Brian Berliner from New York

Dr. Kara Heying from Iowa

Congratulations to award winner Dr. Dominick Maino of Chicago, Illinois!

Dr. Carl Hillier from California

Vision therapist Ruth from Michigan

COVD Past-President (2004-05) Dr. Lynn Hellerstein (CO)

My Uncle Jack and Kathy of Colorado

My special friend Elaine (CO)

Dr. Dave Grisham from California

New friends Margie (CA) and Ali (CO)

Dr. Daniel Gottlieb (GA)

Missing the mountains

View more fun photos on the Vision First website here!


Copyright (c) 2009 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.