WS Chronicle

Last week, IFB Solutions and Luxexcel, the only company in the world with technology that can 3D-print custom ophthalmic lenses, provided more than a dozen local students with free eyeglasses.

The eyeglasses, which where made at IFB Solutions using the printer developed by Luxexcel, were distributed on Thursday, March 7, at the IFB location on North Point Blvd. As the students from various schools across the district entered the building, they were greeted by the smiling faces of the IFB team.

According to event organizers, the students were selected based on need. In a press release Michael Pesce, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools director of social work, said one of the biggest challenges they face is making sure students have what they need to be successful and that’s why they are grateful for the partnership with IFB and Luxexcel.

He said, “One of our biggest challenges in public education is meeting all the needs of children. Their medical, health, and physical needs happen beyond the classroom, but those needs are critically important to a child’s educational success. That’s why we are so grateful to have community partners like IFB and Luxexcel. Their gift of eyeglasses gives these students the gift of vision, something we could never do alone. At school and at home, vision is a vital part of a child’s overall well-being.”

In celebration of the one-year partnership between IFB and Luxexcel, after receiving their new eyeglasses students and parents got to enjoy free pizza and cake. After trying on his glasses for the first time, Jalen Jones said he was still getting adjusted to his new specs but he liked the design.

Jalen’s mother, Natashi Jones, said she was grateful for IFB and WS/FCS for their willingness to help those in need. Jones said she was shocked at how fast the glasses were made. She said, “I think what they’re doing here is wonderful. It’s good to know that there are organizations in the community who support things like this.”

IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services, as well as community programs through grants and private donations, making possible the Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Ark., and Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem.

For more information visit www.ifbsolutions.org.