They’ve helped thousands of people.Photo courtesy of Jonas Paul Eyewear.
Ben and Laura Harrison quickly realized two things after their son, Jonas, underwent 21 surgeries before age 3 for his eye condition, Today reports. (Watch the video below.)
First, they wanted him to have eyeglasses that he wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear. Second, they wanted to help other children who had eye problems.
They soon formed Jonas Paul Eyewear in Grand Rapids, MI. The company opened “with the mission of helping children feel beautiful in their glasses and providing sight to children in need with every purchase.”
The company operates with a “Buy Sight, Give Sight” philosophy, Today reports. With each pair purchased, Jonas Paul Eyewear donates to nonprofits, providing eye exams, glasses and other assistance to children. According to Today, the company has helped 22,000 families in 64 countries.
Jonas has the rare condition Peter’s anomaly, which causes opacified corneas and glaucoma.
According to the company’s website: “Despite being blind at birth, Jonas Paul now has low vision thanks to 21 surgeries and the dedication of his loving parents.”