JULY 2025 | VOL 7

BEAUTY OF SIGHT JOINS LIONS DISTRICT 35-N AT INTERNATIONAL PARADE OF NATIONS IN ORLANDO

Beauty of Sight was honored to participate in the 2025 Lions International Convention in Orlando, celebrating over 63 years of partnership with the Lions of District 35.

Executive Director Elizabeth Fout and Director of Business Development William Buras proudly marched alongside District 35-N in the Parade of Nations, representing our shared commitment to restoring sight and serving communities across Florida, the Bahamas, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

In recognition of the Lions' decades of support, Beauty of Sight was also proud to sponsor the convention with a donation to the Host Committee Fund.

We are deeply grateful for this enduring relationship and excited for the impact we'll continue to make together!

BEAUTY OF SIGHT QUARTERLY IMPACT APRIL - JUNE 2025

Between April and June 2025, 249 individuals gave the extraordinary gift of sight through eye donation. Among them, 172 were registered donors or had shared their wishes in advance—a powerful reminder of how one simple act can create a lasting impact.

Thanks to their generosity, 447 ocular tissues were recovered for surgical use, offering hope and healing to hundreds in need of restored or improved vision. This is more than a number—it’s a testament to the lives changed when someone says “yes” to

donation.

Registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor is easy, yet its ripple effects are immeasurable. Your decision today could bring us one step closer to a World Without Blindness.

Register Now at www.beautyofsight.org

JULY IS DRY EYE AWARENESS MONTH

Did you know that nearly 16.4 million Americans live with dry eye disease? If left untreated, this condition can cause serious problems like corneal damage and seriously disrupt daily life, leading to issues such as blurry vision and ongoing discomfort. 

At Beauty of Sight, we view vision as more than just a sense; it’s a crucial part of life. That’s why we’re committed to promoting education, early detection, and innovative treatments that help protect and maintain sight for everyone, regardless of their age. 

As a leader in eye care innovation, we also offer access to Serum Tears, a unique therapy derived from a patient’s blood, which can provide relief for those suffering from severe or persistent dry eye. We encourage you to help raise awareness and motivate others to take dry eye seriously. Don’t ignore the signs:

Stinging or burning sensations

A gritty feeling or tired eyes

Sensitivity to light

Blurred vision

Excessive tearing

A LEGACY OF LIGHT: HONORING JOEL MENENDEZ

Every day, lives are transformed through the selfless decision to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor. In the United States, more than 1 million tissue transplants are performed each year, and over 46,000 corneal transplants restore sight to individuals facing corneal blindness. In the first half of 2025 alone, nearly 11,000 organ donors helped give more than 22,000 people a second chance at life. Behind each of these numbers is a story of hope, healing, and the lasting impact of a single decision.

One such story is that of Joel Menendez, a man remembered for his warmth, wit, and lifelong commitment to helping others see the world more clearly. Joel dedicated 40 years of his life as an optician, touching countless lives through his work at respected institutions such as Bascom Palmer in the 1980s, and later at Miami Lakes Eyecare Center Optical. He ultimately retired from Exceptional Vision.

Following his passing, Joel gave one final gift—one that so deeply reflected the life he lived: the gift of sight through cornea donation.

Joel’s daughter recently shared memories that paint a portrait of a life rich with purpose, passion, and connection:

• A fitting legacy: After decades of helping others see better as an optician, it was only fitting that Joel’s final act was the donation of his corneas—a gesture that now allows others to experience the beauty of the world in his honor.

• A true sportsman: In his younger years, Joel played on a traveling soccer team and was an avid tennis player into his 60s. A lifelong supporter of Miami’s sports teams, he cheered passionately for the Dolphins, celebrated every Marlins win, threw rubber rats at Panthers games, and followed the Heat with pride.

• A man of joy and connection: Joel was known for his wicked sense of humor and his uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with everyone he met. His warmth and kindness lit up every room and left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.

Joel’s legacy lives on not just through the memories he created, but through the gift he gave. His family finds peace and pride in knowing that, even after death, Joel continued to do what he loved—bringing clarity and light into the lives of others.

At Beauty of Sight, we are honored to be part of these stories. Between January and June of this year, 513 individuals gave the gift of sight through eye donation. Their generosity made it possible to recover 887 ocular tissues for surgical use, helping to restore or improve vision for hundreds of people.

Choosing to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor is a simple but powerful act. One decision can save or heal up to 75 lives.

Take a moment to register or confirm your donor status. Talk to your loved ones about your wishes. Be the reason someone sees again, lives without pain, or gets a second chance at life.

Register today at www.BeautyOfSight.org