GIFT OF SIGHT APPLICATION
Dr. Furlong started the Gift of Sight program in 2002. This annual, charitable program provides comprehensive consultations, Advanced Topography-Guided Custom LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) procedures, Keratoconus treatment and post-operative appointments at no cost for up to 10 deserving individuals in strong need of vision correction. Furlong Vision Correction has received the Jefferson Award for the Gift of Sight Program.
Since starting the program, we have worked with local, non-profit organizations to identify Gift of Sight patients including work2 future, Hope Services, The Cost of Courage Foundation, American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Team Red, White and Blue and the Diabetes Society. Additionally, we work with our optometric partners to identify possible recipients and we also include deserving individuals who are nominated by community members.
Important 2021 Gift Of Sight Dates
- Application Deadline: Monday, August 16, 2021
- Consultation Day: Tuesday, September 14, 2021
- Surgery Day: Friday, October 22, 2021
GIFT OF SIGHT APPLICATION
Watch the 2016 Bay Area Proud story by Garvin Thomas on NBC.
Our 2020 Gift of Sight Program
Furlong Vision Correction’s Gift of Sight program continues to broaden its reach and expand its offerings. In addition to providing vision correction services to deserving individuals nominated by their communities and the practice’s partnering optometrists, we also included local, frontline health professionals.
“We are so grateful for the incredible efforts of all our frontline healthcare workers who are working so hard and sacrificing so much in this unprecedented time. It is our privilege to be able to provide vision correction services to nominated candidates who are eligible to be part of our program.”
– Dr. Michael Furlong
Our Inspiring 2020 Gift of Sight Video
THREE of our 2019 Patient Stories
Brenda Manzo is a single mother of two. Thanks to the work2future program, she is currently a full-time student at the Center for Employment Training studying to become an electrician. Brenda was raised by alcoholic parents and hopes to raise her children in a happy and stable environment.
Here is more about Brenda’s story.
Joes Heeregrave, born in the Netherlands, is a former police officer, pastor, father of three and a community recipient. In 2009, he and his wife, Esther, gave up their careers and everything they owned to become missionaries. They moved to the Silicon Valley in March, 2019 to become missionaries and youth pastors at the Cathedral Of Faith in San Jose. Learn more about his story.
Sara Bartolino a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor and mother of three, is deeply involved in the community. Her husband, Steven, included this quote when he nominated her. “Even while Sara was sick, she kept a positive outlook. That’s just who she is. This surgery would be life-changing for her. She is always worried about someone else and it would be awesome to give her one less thing she has to worry about.” Watch more about Sara’s inspiring story.
THREE of our 2018 Patient Stories
Leonard Vigil III, a San Jose native, served in the United States Marine Corp from 2001 to 2005. On July 1, 2004, Leonard was hit with a roadside bomb and suffered shrapnel wounds and traumatic brain and vision injuries but was able to help all the injured Marines and provide safety for them until they were medically evacuated. For this effort, he received the Purple Heart and the Marine and Navy Accommodation medal with a distinguished V for Valor.
He is very grateful to be a Gift Of Sight recipient and to the Cost of Courage Foundation for giving him this opportunity.
Here is more about Leonard’s story.
Christal Letizia grew up in Hawaii – one of 16 kids! She enlisted in the Navy in 1999 for four years active duty and four on reserve duty. While active, she served on the USS John F Kennedy. cv 67 the last nonnuclear, conventionally powered Navy air craft carrier. Christal has had treatment for PTSD and her eyesight started changing after battling intracranial hypertension that put pressure on her eyes. She hated glasses because they made her feel old and ugly not to mention that she couldn’t see her kids grow up!
Nate Tran served over 20 years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman (8404) providing emergency medical and dental assistant and physical readiness for Marines in Camp Pendleton, California and Okinawa, Japan.
Nate also worked two years as a certified Combat Lifesaver Instructor. Due to several service connected injuries, he became a disabled veteran and his eyesight also got blurry. He plans to continue learning new skills while raising his three children. And he loves being able to wear sunglasses now!