Nonprofit Eye Care Organization to Begin Construction on M Ybor City Initiative

Lions World Vision Institute’s New Initiative Aims to Transform Pediatric Eye Care in Hillsborough County

The Lions World Vision Institute (LWVI), recognized as one of the largest providers of eye bank services, tissue recovery, and ocular research globally, is making strides to enhance pediatric vision care in Hillsborough County. This week marks a significant milestone with the announcement of a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Vision Health Center in Ybor City, slated for completion in 2027.

The Vision Health Center, which is expected to cost approximately million, will occupy a 30,000-square-foot facility situated at 2112 E 3rd Ave. The center’s primary mission will be to provide comprehensive eye care services to uninsured and underinsured children and families throughout the Tampa Bay region. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the critical need for accessible vision care, which has been widely recognized as a barrier to educational success and overall developmental outcomes for children.

Once operational, the facility is projected to serve up to 23,000 children annually, fulfilling an urgent demand for essential eye care services. The center will consolidate various pediatric screenings, diagnostic measures, treatment options, and community outreach programs under one roof, thereby streamlining the process and making it easier for families to access the care they need.

Local statistics reveal troubling trends regarding children’s literacy and learning, with only 53% of third graders in Hillsborough County achieving proficient reading levels—an issue often intertwined with undiagnosed vision problems. Compounding this issue is the economic landscape; nearly 45% of households in the Tampa Bay area fall within the category of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE), indicating significant barriers to accessing consistent and high-quality eye care.

LWVI’s commitment to pediatric eye health also encompasses a focus on education and research. The center’s design will include dedicated spaces aimed at fostering training programs for ophthalmologists and advancing surgical techniques, which could lead to breakthroughs in treatment and patient care.

By prioritizing early detection and coordinated services, the Lions World Vision Institute’s new center is poised to create a lasting impact on the health and education of children in the community. As the LWVI has been bridging the gap between eye tissue donors and recipients for over a century, this new venture reaffirms their dedication to improving vision care and enhancing the quality of life for countless families in the region.