Carlos Izquierdo, American Vision Foundation

Carlos Izquierdo is an optician based in South Florida who started the American Vision Foundation to serve those in need. Izquierdo answered a few questions about his experience and why he feels it’s important to give back.

What made you decide to start the American Vision Foundation?
I grew up in an optical store and have lived through the changes in healthcare policy. These new plans seem to forget how vital eyeglasses are for those who need them. Time after time, I found myself turning away patients who did not have the insurance coverage and could not afford the glasses. Many times I helped out of my own pocket, but it became impossible to keep up, and that was when I started American Vision Foundation. 

Over the years, how many times would you say you've volunteered your time to help others?
I dedicate no less than 8 hours per week to American Vision Foundation either directly with patients or working with our supporters worldwide.

Why do you feel it's important to give back?
If we all concentrated on gaining, then we would go nowhere because no one would be giving. I strongly believe that if we all concentrated on giving back there would less need, because everyone would be giving. Give something... anything... in this case vision care is my passion, and I love doing what I do, aside from the fact that it feels incredible to give back.