Ukrainian Orphan Gets to Eyeglass World Just In Time
Six year old orphan, Andrii,* and Danielle Thomas, his host mom, walk into an Eyeglass World store in Indianapolis, Indiana. Having only hours left to catch a flight from Chicago, Illinois back to his home in the Ukraine, Andrii was introduced to Travis Hartman, the General Manager.
“He was super excited and gave no less than 10 high fives while he was [here],” Travis recalled. Unable to say more than a few words in English, Andrii spoke into his host mom’s phone using a translator app, allowing both Travis and Danielle to understand what he was saying. “He reminded me of my little 5-year-old daughter,” Travis said, “a spit-fire, free spirit, go-with-the-flow attitude.”
Just one week before, Danielle called National Vision and spoke with Kristen Reynolds, Manager of Philanthropic Programs. Andrii had a valid prescription but needed glasses made before returning to the Ukraine. Due to the time constraints, the only option that would work was a store that could make the glasses the same day.
Getting creative, Danielle and Kristen mapped the route from Dayton, Ohio where Danielle lives to Chicago, Illinois, where Andrii was flying home from. There was an Eyeglass World on the way in Indianapolis, Indiana. With an in-house lab, Eyeglass World was the best option for Danielle and Andrii. Kristen reached out to Travis who was happy to help.
According to what Danielle learned about Andrii, access to vision care is difficult in the Ukraine and his circumstances are less secure because he is an orphan.
Travis and Andrii
When Travis outfitted Andrii with a pair of cool Ray-Ban® and (blue – his favorite color!) Converse glasses, he was ecstatic. He ran around the store and rearranged Travis’ accessories tower. He played with the mirror; making funny faces on the magnified side. His biggest surprise, however, was being able to see the small print, something he couldn’t do before.
Danielle later told us “He wanted to see himself often, change to the other pair, look again, and so on.” What did Andrii think about his new glasses? “He commented on the cool cases he was given, the color of the frames and how cool he was since he now had glasses!”
The impact in Andrii’s life will be greater than just a vacation filled with ice cream, playing games, watching movies with his host family and going to the Wright Patt Air Force Museum. While he had fun, Andrii will go back to his foster family with an advantage. “He will now be able to participate in class, learn to read…everything he wants [to do] without the hindrance of poor eye sight. This is a huge blessing for him,” Danielle emphasized.
Travis was equally invested in Andrii’s story and even bought him, with permission, a cool case for his glasses. Danielle was touched by everyone at National Vision who made this possible for Andrii at the last minute. “The impact on Danielle was so positive, even though they live in Dayton, Ohio she is going to bring her family to us this summer and get everyone taken care of.” Travis continued with heartfelt sincerity, “It just reaffirmed what I do. I’ve been in the business for almost 10 years now. It reminds me why I do what I do… kids like him. That I’m able to make a difference.”
*The child’s name was changed to protect his identity.
Safaa Sammander
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