Furlong Vision Correction's Gift of Sight Program is Rewarding for Patients and Staff

Each year, the Furlong Vision Correction staff looks forward to the Gift of Sight program. "The Gift of Sight brings our team together - it is an extremely rewarding and inspirational event in which we all like to be involved and pitch in as much as possible," said Matt Hospidor, FVC Patient Counselor.

The Gift of Sight was launched in 2002 by Dr. Furlong to help those who cannot afford corrective eye procedures. "I wanted to make a difference in the community in which we work and live," said Dr. Furlong. "I was not aware of any free refractive eye surgery programs, so I started the Gift of Sight. To date, it is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job." Since its inception, nearly 80 patients have been treated at no cost. The program has been a big success, greatly improving people's lives, both personally and professionally.

Gift of Sight Partners with HOPE Services
For the past four years, FVC has selected HOPE Services as the Gift of Sight beneficiary. HOPE provides programs that help children, adults and seniors with developmental disabilities become valued and participating members of their communities. Recipients are chosen by a lottery system and selected based on their ability to sustain vision correction. "We have a great partnership with Furlong Vision Correction and have received incredible feedback from past recipients. It is amazing to see how a quick eight-minute surgery can have such a positive impact on the lives of our clients and staff," said Sue Bell, HOPE Services Human Resources Director.

Previous recipients of the Gift of Sight include the American Cancer Society, Diabetes Society of Santa Clara County, Valle Monte League, Junior League of San Jose, Make-A-Wish Foundation and various local schools.

Gift of Sight Recipients
Please click on the following links to read news stories about the Gift of Sight program: 2009, 2008, 2007.

To hear an interview about the Gift of Sight program and Hope Services that aired on KBAY and MIX 106.5, push the play button here.