At some point in our lives, we've all had our vision tested using the “eye chart” at the doctor's office. Now consider a five-year-old who can't read past the first few lines. This can make school tough for them, as so much of learning is visual. More than 25% of all children between the ages of 2 and 17 must wear glasses or contact lenses because of a vision problem. The numbers are much higher among children of color: Nearly 40% of Hispanic children, 34% of Asian children, and more than 20% of Black children suffer from near-sightedness or astigmatism, a defect in the eyes that causes distorted vision. According to the National Institutes of Health, children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to suffer from undetected vision problems and reduced vision-motor integration skills. We believe no child should have trouble learning due to their vision. That's why we're excited to introduce "Lois' Vision4Kids!" Launching on Saturday, Oct. 28th, we're teaming up with Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the Palm Beach County Food Bank to provide free eye screenings for children 18 years and younger from schools and youth organizations. Based on their vision screening results, EVERY child who qualifies for prescription eyeglasses will receive not just one, but two free pairs of prescription glasses. (fb)

My profound thoughts and prayers go to the innocent people, families, and children who have been killed, seriously wounded, or abducted in the current conflict in Israel. As a longtime supporter of Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service, to which I have proudly donated 16 ambulances, I pray particularly for the safety and well-being of the courageous men and women of this critically important organization as they selflessly work to save the lives of all those in harm’s way. (fb)