GREEN BAY, Wis.—Shopko Optical has rebranded its Project Eyecare program to Kids in Focus. The Kids in Focus program is organized in partnership with the Lions Club. Its mission is to continue to enrich the lives of children in need by contributing to their visual wellness through complimentary eyecare and eyewear in the communities Shopko Optical serves, according to the company’s recent announcement. The Lions Club will continue to identify children in need between the ages of 5 and 17 to receive a comprehensive eye exam and a pair of eyeglasses at no-charge from Shopko Optical.

Throughout the coming year, approximately 1,500 vouchers will be available for children in need at a value of over $300,000.

“Giving back to the communities where our employees live and work is deeply rooted in Shopko Optical’s culture,” said Kirk Lauterback, Shopko Optical’s chief operations officer. “Every child deserves to have quality eyecare and Kids in Focus will help children who have a need.”

According to the Wisconsin Optometric Association, 80 percent of all learning during a child’s first 12 years of life is obtained through vision and over half of students who have academic difficulties have an undetected and undiagnosed vision issue, the announcement noted.

Shopko Optical, the trade name of Shoptikal LLC, is an affiliate of Monarch Alternative Capital, and operates more than 90 locations across the Midwest and Far West with a team of nearly 700 optometrists and opticians. The company has said it plans to expand further this year and expects to open more than 50 new centers by the end of 2021.

As Shopko Optical expands, many communities will have access to the Kids in Focus program. Those who are interested in receiving a voucher or know of individuals in need that can benefit from this program can contact their local Lions Club.