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.