News and Events

Philadelphia Eagle (Tight End) L. J. Smith & The Eye Institute: PARTNERS
By Dr. S. C. Oleszewski ’76

The first annual “LOOKING OUT FOR KIDS” fundraiser, a joint venture of The Eye Institute and Philadelphia Eagle’s tight end, L. J. Smith took place Saturday, October 6, 2007.

Photo Dr. Oleszewski (left) and L.J. Smith

Over the summer of 2007, TEI met with L. J. Smith to discuss a possible collaboration. L. J. had recently established the L. J. Smith Higher Education Fund, which offers scholarships to high-potential, at-risk Philadelphia youth.  In recent years, The Eye Institute has provided vision screenings to thousands of public school children and comprehensive eye care and eyeglasses to hundreds of children who failed the vision screening. Through our discussions, it was clear that TEI had much in common with L. J. - both are working to help Philadelphia kids achieve their full potential.  (Photo right: Dr. Susan Oleszewski, Vice President & Executive Director Patient Care Services at The Eye Institute with L. J. Smith Philadelphia Eagle Tight End)

For this partnership, L. J. has committed to helping The Eye Institute raise public awareness about the importance of good vision to ensure academic success, along with other important public health messages regarding vision and eye health.  He will be raising awareness through public service announcements (PSAs) to be aired on area TV and radio stations.

Eagles Tight End L.J. Smith with a group of children outside The Eye Institute.Additionally, L. J. has allowed TEI to use his image to help us get our message out through our print campaign in local newspapers. The Eye Institute has committed to helping L. J. raise dollars to grow his scholarship fund, and one of the ways is through the first annual “LOOKING OUT FOR KIDS” fundraiser on Saturday evening, October 6, 2007 at the Hafter Student Community Center on the Elkins Park campus of the College.

The event will be hosted by L. J. and we expect that he will be bringing a number of his Eagles teammates with him.  The evening will feature a silent auction, along with “Eye-pods” displaying the latest in designer eyewear and providing a fun environment in which to try on, model, and purchase really happening eyewear.  There will be great food, drinks, music, and a festive party atmosphere. It is an event you won’t want to miss!