Our Team

 I have had problems with my eyes ever since I was young, which left me squinting at whiteboards in class and missing the vibrant details in the world around me. I got my first pair of glasses, which transformed my world, allowing me to see in a way I had never before. This personal experience made me aware of the challenges faced by people with inadequate access to eye care. This led me to create Eyes 4 Everyone, which helps to provide eyewear to underserved communities. I aim to grant others the valuable gift of sight. 

Being surrounded by people with vision problems, including myself, has always been difficult. I remember having to tilt my head at certain angles just to see clearly, or watching my parents put on glasses just to read the paper. It was frustrating to feel powerless, especially knowing so many others struggled with the same problem but didn’t have access to the help they needed. When I discovered Eyes 4 Everyone, their vision fascinated me and gave birth to my own ambition. My goal is to give others the same gift I received—the ability to truly see the world in all its clarity.

Watching my aunt struggle with blurred vision as I grew up made me truly appreciate the gift of clear sight. Her challenges with everyday tasks showed me how crucial vision is to one’s independence and well-being. This experience led me to join Eyes 4 Everyone, a nonprofit dedicated to providing eyeglasses to underserved communities. Through my participation, I aim to help others experience the clarity and vibrancy of the world that so many take for granted.

Quickly developing a struggle with my eyesight came as an unpleasant surprise. My whole life I had 20/20 vision until my highschool year where I realized I had both astigmatism and around -1.5 in both of my eyes. Even though my eyesight wasn’t terrible, the difference was life-changing. What once was a green blur in the distance became individual leaves. Or at school, being able to sit anywhere in the classroom while still seeing clearly. Joining Eyes for Everyone, a non-profit organization that collects and recycles donated glasses, allows others to have the same experience I did—regardless of how bad their eyesight is. By giving new life to old glasses, they provide vision care to those in need. Something as simple as a pair of lenses can transform blurry shapes into sharp details, just like how they changed mine. Everyone deserves the chance to see clearly, and through efforts like this, more people can experience the life-changing difference clear vision brought to my life.

I am Candler McDaniel, and I attend The Lovett Schools. Inspired by my mother’s battle with Birdshot Uveitis, a rare eye condition, I decided to participate in providing eyeglasses to underprivileged individuals in our community with Eyes 4 Everyone. Through my mom, I have witnessed the impact of proper eye care, which I believe to be a right for everyone. Join us in making a difference by bringing the world into focus for those who need it most. 

 My grandmother was born prematurely and has struggled with poor eyesight her entire life. She tells stories about her first pair of glasses, and how amazing it was to see things clearly, like individual leaves on trees. My grandfather is an ophthalmologist and has spent his life helping people see. Together they have taught me how important eye care is. Through Eyes 4 Everyone, I hope to help make a difference. 

At the age of 9 my vision began to decline, causing me to need glasses. However, I avoided wearing them at school and this led to me either sitting in the front row during class whenever possible or else falling behind when learning new material and taking notes.  Finally in 8th grade, I reluctantly started wearing glasses more frequently, and it changed everything.  Not only did it benefit me in school, but it benefitted my perspective of the world.  It allowed me to see my family and friends more clearly and appreciate the beauty of nature during roadtrips and hikes.  I believe that by joining Eyes 4 Everyone, I can help give others the opportunity to better see and appreciate the world as well as help them thrive, whether it’s in a classroom or anyplace they want to be.