The Native Eyes project provides free vision care to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, where nearly the entire tribe suffers from severe astigmatism and has extremely limited access to eye care — with only one optometrist available one day a month for 40,000 people. Since 2018, volunteer medical teams have traveled to the reservation annually, offering eye exams and prescription glasses to children, adults, and seniors. The effort began with a focus on adults, but quickly expanded to children after discovering that 94% of kids had serious vision problems. For many children, poor eyesight—not lack of intelligence—was the root of their academic struggles.

The Padre Pio Foundation of America has supported the initiative since 2019, inspired by Padre Pio’s call to charity. Over 8,000 people have already been helped, and a traveling clinic will soon bring care directly into schools for young children. The team donates their time and receives free frames and lenses, but now needs $42,000 in equipment to continue the work. 100% of donations will go toward purchasing essential tools like tonometers, retinoscopes, and trial lenses. The project is transforming lives by giving children a clearer path to learning, confidence, and a brighter future.