History

Eye Thrive (formerly Eye Care Charity of Mid-America) was founded in 2004 by Bill Jehling, then President of Clarkson Eyecare, after an impactful encounter with the young son of a friend brought his attention to the outstanding need for healthcare services among underprivileged children and families in our community. While Eye Thrive originally worked to fund a full spectrum of vision services, Eye Thrive knows that the earlier we reach a child, the bigger our impact is.

Eye Thrive has grown to become the leading provider of quality vision screenings, professional eye exams and prescription glasses for low-income children in the St. Louis region. We are deeply committed to our mission to give children the ability to thrive through access to essential vision services. Our organization prioritizes reaching populations in need, delivering the highest quality of care, and making long-term impact through our services. We know first-hand the transformative power a pair of glasses can have on a child, in school and throughout their lives.

2004
Founded

Founded by Bill Jehling as the Clarkson Eyecare Foundation.

2012
ECCOMA

Became the Eye Care
Charity of Mid-America.

2013
Mobile Vision Clinic

Launched our signature
Mobile Vision Clinic.

2014
100th School

In December 2014,
we visited our 100th school.

2016
6,000th Exam

In September 2016, we celebrated 6,000 eye exams.

2017
New Mobile Vision Clinic

Launched a custom-made
MVC with two exam lanes. 

2018
10,000th Exam

In March 2018, we
celebrated 10,000 eye exams.

2019
Mobile Vision Clinic
Rebrand

In 2019, we put our mission
in our name: Eye Thrive.

2020
COVID-19

We offered free replacements
to any child in the region.

2022
Delmar DivINe

Eye Thrive joined the incredible community at Delmar DivINe.