Vision Day & Play: A Community Comes Together at Pretend City

On January 10, Partners for Pediatric Vision (PPV) was proud to partner with UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute’s Eye Mobile and Pretend City Children’s Museum to host Vision Day & Play — to provide children with free vision care and the opportunity for creative hands-on play amongst peers with visual impairment.

Thanks to this collaborative effort, 15 PPV families, along with siblings and caregivers, received free vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams, and glasses, followed by a joyful day of sensory-rich, child-led play at Pretend City.

Expert Vision Care in a Child-Friendly Setting

In partnership with UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute

The day began with free vision screenings and exams provided by the dedicated pediatric eye care team from UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute’s Eye Mobile for Children. Families were welcomed into the mobile eye van by pediatric eye doctors from UCI who bring their clinical experience and family-focused care to communities around Orange County.

Parents shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about how well their children responded to the exams and how grateful they were for the thoughtful, child-centered care.

We extend our sincere thanks to:

• Dr. Donny Suh, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Professor of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine

• Dr. Annabella Storch, O.D.

• Dr. Donghun Lee, M.D., International Pediatric Fellow

• Jennifer Espinoza, Eye Mobile Coordinator

• Karina Cervantes, Eye Mobile Coordinator 

Their expertise and compassion made it possible for children to receive critical vision services in a setting designed with families in mind.

Learning Through Play at Pretend City

A Space Where Every Child Belongs

Following their eye check-up, families headed into Pretend City Children’s Museum, a one-of-a-kind, child-sized city designed to spark imagination, curiosity, and learning through hands-on play.

Often described as “the world in a nutshell,” Pretend City offers interactive exhibits that help children explore real-world roles while developing foundational math, reading, science, and social-emotional skills. The museum’s thoughtfully designed environment supports children at different developmental stages and honors the fact that all children learn differently.

Pretend City’s commitment to inclusion was felt throughout the day. Families were invited to explore the museum at their own pace, allowing children with visual impairments and other disabilities to engage comfortably and confidently.

Special thanks to Maya Cargile, Child Development Coordinator, and the entire Pretend City staff for creating such a welcoming, accessible, and joyful experience for our families.

A Community Effort Rooted in Care

Vision Day & Play was made possible by our partners at UCI and Pretend City, in coordination with PPV volunteers, donors, and staff to ensure families felt supported every step of the way.

We are especially grateful to the individuals who joined us in support of this event:

• Becky (Chao) Bucklin & Eric Bucklin, major donors to PPV

• Rachel Heuser, monthly donor to PPV and retired Teacher of the Visually Impaired

• Sue Strafaci, donor, former Birth to Five Vision Network member and retired Braille Institute Director of Child Development Services

• Irene Takahashi, former PPV Board Member and longtime Birth to Five Vision Network partner

  
  

Your generosity, advocacy, and presence made a meaningful difference for our families.

Why Partnerships Matter

At PPV, we know that early vision care paired with family education and supportive experiences can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Events like Vision Day & Play demonstrate the power of collaboration—when medical providers, community institutions, donors, and volunteers come together with a shared purpose.

Because of this partnership:

• Children received essential vision care and glasses

• Families gained connection, resources, and support

• Children experienced a day of confidence, curiosity, and fun

Looking Ahead

We are deeply thankful to UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Pretend City Children’s Museum, and our entire community for helping make Vision Day & Play such a meaningful experience. We hope this collaboration can continue and grow in the years ahead.

For families who couldn’t attend, we hope this recap offers a glimpse into what’s possible when community comes together. Contact Partners for Pediatric Vision for more on our hands-on events for children with visual impairment and their families.

Together, we’re turning care, connection, and play into lasting impact.