ABOUT US How We Started
Mission Optical began with a vision of providing free eyeglasses – made with the help of legally blind and visually impaired individuals – to needy children and adults in our local community. Founded in 2019, this community outreach program was developed by Tarrant County’s largest employer of the blind, the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth, in collaboration with the North Texas Community Foundation, Community Eye Clinic, Alexander Vision Center, Alcon Foundation, Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Lions Clubs, non-profit agencies, schools, churches, eye doctors, hospitals, social workers, and local businesses.
Mission Optical helps eliminate two of the biggest barriers for those less fortunate: Limited transportation and the inability to pay for prescription eyeglasses and follow-up services. Operating through this website, qualifying individuals – children and adults alike – can get eyeglasses at no charge! The qualifying participant must only pay $40 for the exam, which is a special discounted rate offered by Mission Optical Providers. Following the exam, eligible participants will receive a free pair of single vision, bifocal, progressive, or low-vision glasses, based on doctor recommendations.
Mission Optical is positioned to help hundreds of families every year with a pair of prescription eyeglasses at no charge!
For more information about the history of Mission Optical, please click here.
LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND of Fort Worth
Founded in 1935 as a 501 (c)3, the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth encourages and empowers blind and significantly visually impaired children, youth, adults and seniors to achieve their highest level of independence through competitive employment, specialized training and client services.
The Lighthouse is the largest employer of the blind in Tarrant County! In fact, seventy percent (70%) of working-age blind adults are unemployed, and eighty percent (80%) of those are underemployed. When our doors first opened, the production of mops, brooms and other household items created jobs for individuals who were visually impaired. Door-to-door salesmen trumpeted the handcrafted wares made by blind employees. Today, the Lighthouse sales team has international reach and uses the Internet to build its customer base. Our blind labor force now produces shipping containers, boxes, military products, drug test cups and other paper products. They also help make glasses for the sighted in our Optical Lab, which launched in 2017. All products are sold to commercial businesses as well as to local, state and federal government agencies. The revenue generated from product sales pays the wages and full benefits of our employees. In addition to employing the blind, we offer client services and community outreach programs including Assistive Technology and Keyboard Training; Braille Instruction; Independent Living Skills; Orientation and Mobility (O&M), including White Cane Training and Dog Guide/Handler Counsel; Support Groups; Cooking without Looking classes; social activities and other resources.
Lighthouse Promise: Companionship for LIFE to the Blind!
GET STARTED!
To see if you qualify for Mission Optical’s no-cost Glasses, we need you to answer a few questions. Just fill out and submit our qualification form for an immediate response about your eligibility. Once you qualify, you’re all set to schedule an appointment with a provider near you!
see if you qualify