In 2007, the Eyes of a Champion program was born. "EYES" takes on the issue of eye care to the children of Arkansas. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in cooperation with the Wal-Mart/Sam's Optical Department, and independent optometrists across the state provide free vision exams and glasses to low to moderate income, uninsured children. These are children who would otherwise not receive the eye care and eyewear they need to do their best work in school and perform their best at play. Many families are trying as hard as they can and still can barely pay the bills. There are single mothers who are working two jobs and are trying to be both mom and dad for their children. There are those too proud to ask for help and who need a helping hand. Eye care is a luxury these struggling families can ill afford. We want to make a difference in the lives of these children. This program is available to every public school nurse and counselor in the state of Arkansas. They know the children struggling and have a firm grip on the eye care needs of the school. Our vision is to reach out to the surrounding states and eventually nationwide. 

Qualifying students must: 
1) Have a family income of less than $60,000 annually 
2) Shall not be enrolled in state insurance (such as ArKids) or have Medicaid 
3) Shall not have private vision insurance 

Vickie Burlsworth - Executive Director and Cindi Hagood - Assistant Executive Director for the Eyes of a Champion program