Media Release | November 5, 2026
Preserve Vision Florida
Vision loss is the most significant disability experienced by people of all ages
Event Details
This event will include the official unveiling of Preserve Vision Florida’s new Pasco Vision Van, recognition of the Holloway Foundation’s gift, and opportunities for media representatives to see the screening process in action and interview program and community representatives.
- What: Preserve Vision Florida’s Pasco County Program Launch, First Official Vision Screening in Pasco County, and Pasco Vision Van Unveiling
- When: November 10, 2026, with screenings beginning at 9:30 a.m. and a brief program for media and vehicle dedication beginning at 10 a.m.
- Where: Metropolitan Ministries MiraclePlace Pasco Campus, 3216 US 19, Holiday, 34691
Holiday, Fla., Nov. 10, 2026 – Preserve Vision Florida – the state’s premier nonprofit dedicated to eye health and safety – is officially launching its free community vision screenings and education services in Pasco County at its first vision screening event, being held at the Metropolitan Ministries MiraclePlace campus in Holiday. The Pasco expansion, including its new Pasco Vision Van equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by certified vision health associates, is made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Marvin and Elizabeth Holloway Foundation.
Preserve Vision Florida expects to screen more than 2,000 children and adults and provide more than 4,000 vision-related services in Pasco County over the next 12 months. This is in addition to the more than 25,000 services provided annually in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Orange counties.
“Vision loss is the most significant disability experienced by people of all ages,” said Joanne Lighter, President & CEO of Preserve Vision Florida. “One in three children enter school with vision loss, 75 percent of adults use some form of vision correction, and seniors are at an increased risk of falls, social isolation, and depression due to vision issues,” Lighter noted that Preserve Vision Florida’s services don’t stop with identifying a problem; they ensure the problem is addressed. “If the screening identifies an eye health concern, we will set up an appointment with an optometrist for a full vision examination and glasses, if required, all without cost to the individual.”
“The partnership with Preserve Vision Florida is an exciting opportunity to bring free vision screenings with direct help for eye exams and glasses for those who cannot afford it. Bringing eye health education directly to children, families, and adults in Pasco County will help remove another barrier to care for our neighbors,” said Ryan Pratt, Metropolitan Ministries Executive Director of Pasco. “We know we can’t do this work alone. It takes strong collaboration and partnerships across our community to ensure every individual and family in Pasco has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can Share Hope, expand opportunity, and build a stronger Pasco County, because when Pasco comes together, hope goes further.”
“Preserve Vision Florida will provide its community-based services in Pasco primarily through partnerships with a variety of non-profit and government organizations, including Metropolitan Ministries,” said Lighter. “Their newly expanded MiraclePlace Pasco campus in Holiday is the perfect location to launch our offering of free vision screenings to both adults and children in need of this vital service.”
The Holloway Foundation gift will fully fund Preserve Vision Florida’s expansion into Pasco County. While full-service screening can be conducted inside the Vision Van, it will also be used to transport team members and equipment to on-site locations in facilities like Metropolitan Ministries Family Support Center. Vision screenings can help identify potential vision concerns and indicate when further evaluation by an eye care professional may be needed.
Marvin and Elizabeth “Betsy” Holloway were longtime residents of Pasco County until their passing. Betsy suffered from macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss for adults aged 50 and older.
Preserve Vision Florida is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1957 by Mildred Baynard of St. Petersburg. It promotes eye health and safety through vision screenings and public awareness campaigns and provides direct assistance to those who need medical eye exams and glasses. Preserve Vision Florida is the premier organization providing vision screenings, vision education, eye exams, and prescription glasses for children and adults in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Orange counties.
For more information about Preserve Vision Florida and its vision screening programs, visit www.pvfla.org
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