Opening Eyes at 2025 Summer Games

Amid the cheers, high-fives, and medal moments at our 2025 Summer Games, we offered three Healthy Athletes screenings — Special Smiles®, Opening Eyes, and Healthy Hearing!

This year, 69 athletes took part in Opening Eyes screenings, where they received comprehensive vision exams and, when needed, free prescription eyewear. For many athletes, these screenings are their first opportunity to be seen by an eye care professional in a welcoming and accessible environment. But these screenings are also vital to making dental care more inclusive. By providing professionals with hands-on experience working with individuals with IDD, they are able to take what they have learned and apply it to their own practice and help their colleagues provide accessible and inclusive care.

The success of Opening Eyes relies heavily on the commitment of vision care professionals and students who volunteer their time and skills. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the optometry professionals who supported this year’s event, as well as the incredible student volunteers from the New England College of Optometry. Your expertise and kindness helped ensure every athlete was seen, heard, and cared for with respect and enthusiasm.

A particularly moving moment came during Opening Ceremonies, when we were proud to present Dorothy Brodmann, our longtime Opening Eyes Clinical Director, with the Local Golisano Health Leadership Award. This award recognizes health leaders who go above and beyond in supporting inclusive health for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Dorothy's tireless advocacy and leadership have expanded access to vision care for countless athletes across Vermont, and we were honored to celebrate her impact in front of a cheering crowd.

Opening Eyes continues to be a vital part of our mission to ensure that athletes not only compete, but thrive—in their health, confidence, and overall well-being.

Thank you to everyone who helped us open eyes at the 2025 Summer Games!

#InclusiveHealth