Tag: PR Newswire

BEL AIR, Md., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Harford Mutual Insurance Group (HMIG) is proud to announce a number of distinguished awards, accolades, and recognitions received in 2025.

Harford Mutual received honors in 2025 for its innovative internal video series, “News in 90”, which delivers key company updates to employees in a concise and engaging format. The company earned a Gold Showcase Award from the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) in the “Other Employee Communication/Publication” category. HMIG was also recognized by the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) with the 2025 Award in Innovation: Best in Category – Adaptability for “News in 90”.

Harford Mutual was also named one of Ragan Communications 2025 Top Places to Work in Communications. This award recognizes outstanding communications teams and company cultures. It highlights Harford Mutual’s dedication to creating a workplace where team members are prioritized, collaboration is encouraged, and hard work is recognized.

Harford Mutual’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was recognized with the 2025 Executive Alliance Honor Roll Award for Women’s Representation. This award celebrates organizations that actively recruit, develop, and advance women in leadership roles and on corporate boards. Honor Roll companies must have at least 30% of executive leadership and board seats held by women.

In 2025, Harford Mutual was awarded the 2024 Gold Level Healthy Workforce Designation from Cigna Healthcare for its dedication to improving the health and vitality of its employees through its workplace well-being program. Organizations recognized with this designation set the standard of excellence for organizational health and vitality.

Members of HMIG’s leadership team also received individual awards. Geneau M. Thames, Esq., Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record for the second time. She was also named an honoree in 2020. This prestigious accolade celebrates Thames’ outstanding professional achievements, community leadership, and mentorship.

In addition, as the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, Stacey A. Rebbert, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, was recognized as the 2025 Leading Woman of Today by the Harford County Commission for Women. Rebbert served as keynote speaker at the annual Leading Women Awards ceremony, further highlighting her influence and leadership in the region.

These accolades and achievements reflect Harford Mutual’s commitment to its team members, dedication to innovation, and ongoing pursuit of excellence within the insurance industry and the communities it serves.

About Harford Mutual Insurance Group
Harford Mutual Insurance Group, founded in 1842 in Harford County, Maryland, provides commercial property and casualty insurance products and services to a regional market. The Group is a recognized insurance company ending 2025 with more than $446 million in direct written premium sold through independent agents in twelve states and Washington, D.C. Harford Mutual is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. For more information, visit www.HarfordMutual.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harford-mutual-insurance-group-secures-top-honors-for-communication-culture-and-leadership-302661884.html

SOURCE Harford Mutual Insurance Group

GARLAND, Texas, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For nearly six decades, Micro Forms, Inc. has quietly built a reputation as a dependable, high-quality American manufacturer — earning the trust of customers who rely on precision, consistency, and craftsmanship. Founded in 1967 as a small, family-run machine shop, the Garland, Texas-based company has grown into a respected precision metal stamping and engineering operation serving industrial and commercial customers across the globe. 

Today, AIM Investment Group (“AIM IG”) announced the acquisition of Micro Forms, marking the addition of a proven manufacturing business to its growing portfolio of industrial companies. Micro Forms will continue operating under its existing name and structure, building on the same values that have defined the company for nearly 60 years. 

AIM IG has worked closely with Micro Forms for more than five years, developing a strong relationship rooted in shared values, operational discipline, and mutual respect. That long-standing partnership — combined with Micro Forms’ reputation for quality and reliability — made the acquisition a natural next step. 

“This is a business we’ve known and respected for a long time,” said Nate Ungarean, Managing Partner at AIM Investment Group. “Micro Forms has built an exceptional culture and a level of consistency that’s rare. Their team has been doing things the right way for decades, and we saw a clear opportunity to step in as the right long-term steward at the right time. We’re excited to support the next chapter of growth while preserving everything that makes this company special.” 

Micro Forms specializes in precision metal stamping, progressive tool and die engineering, and metal fabrication, partnering with customers to solve complex manufacturing challenges across a range of materials including copper, brass, and aluminum. With in-house tooling expertise and a production facility equipped with more than 20 presses ranging from 8 to 150 tons, the company supports short-, medium-, and long-run production with a focus on reliability and repeatable quality. 

“We’ve spent decades building this business on relationships, quality work, and trust,” said Angus Gascoigne, VP Operations at Micro Forms, Inc. “Joining AIM Investment Group gives us the backing to continue doing what we do best while opening the door to new opportunities. We’re excited about what lies ahead and the momentum this creates for our customers and our business.” 

As part of AIM Investment Group, Micro Forms will remain a standalone operation while benefiting from additional long-term investment support. The acquisition also reflects AIM IG’s continued expansion across industrial sectors, including recycling, manufacturing, and related services. 

“Micro Forms has been expertly run for years,” Ungarean added. “This isn’t about fixing anything—it’s about investing in a great company, honoring its legacy, and helping unlock the next phase of growth.” 

Micro Forms is open for business and actively pursuing new opportunities. Companies seeking a trusted precision manufacturing partner, as well as business owners interested in exploring a long-term partnership or transition, are encouraged to connect with Nate Ungarean or Angus Gascoigne to start a conversation. 

About Micro Forms, Inc. 
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Garland, Texas, Micro Forms, Inc. is a precision metal stamping, tool and die, and metal fabrication manufacturer serving industrial and commercial customers. Known for its craftsmanship, reliability, and problem-solving approach, Micro Forms delivers high-quality stamped components and custom tooling solutions backed by decades of experience. 

About AIM Investment Group 
AIM Investment Group is a diversified industrial holding company with a portfolio of operating businesses across metal recycling, manufacturing, industrial real estate, and industrial services. AIM IG partners with well-run, culture-driven companies and supports their long-term growth through hands-on stewardship and operational expertise. 

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SOURCE AIM Investment Group

The final element to be installed is the upper arm of the cross, which will contain Agnus Dei, a sculpture by Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito; once in place, the 17-meter-tall cross will crown the Tower of Jesus Christ and bring Sagrada Família’s final height to 172 meters; construction is expected to be completed in June 2026

BARCELONA, Spain, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Work on the completion of the Sagrada Família’s Tower of Jesus Christ is progressing at a good pace. Today, the fourth horizontal arm of the cross was installed, following the placement of the third arm a few days ago and the installation of the lower arm, the core, and the horizontal arms of the Nativity and Passion facades a few weeks ago.

The arms follow the double-twist geometry that Gaudí gave to the columns and to the crosses of the Sagrada Família. They are square-shaped at the outer end and an octagonal shape at the inner end, which connects to the core. Each piece weighs approximately 12.8 tons and measures 4.40 meters x 4.50 meters x 4.50 meters. Once completed, the cross will be 17 meters high, approximately the height of a five-story building, and 13.5 meters wide.

As indicated by the Temple Albums, Gaudí wanted the cross to shine by day and illuminate by night. For this reason, white glazed ceramic and glass have been used; two materials that are radiant and, at the same time, withstand atmospheric exposure.

Spotlights will be installed on the towers of the Evangelists and the Apostles, which will illuminate the pinnacle. Inside the cross, the sculpture of Agnus Dei by the Italian artist Andrea Mastrovito will be placed in accordance with Gaudí’s original design.

Coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ will be a historic milestone for the Sagrada Família and a tribute to its architect. For more information, visit: https://sagradafamilia2026.org.

Editor’s note:
Video and photos of the installation of the fourth arm on the Tower of Jesus Christ
can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/SagradaFamilia-GMG-011426

Media Contacts (for U.S. Media):
Gabriel Marketing Group (For Sagrada Família)
Michiko Morales, michim@gabrielmarketing.com
Michael Tebo, michaelt@gabrielmarketing.com

Media Contacts (for Global Media):
Anna Perarnau, aperarnau@sagradafamilia.org
Irene Savall, press@ext.sagradafamilia.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fourth-and-final-horizontal-arm-of-sagrada-familias-cross-of-the-tower-of-jesus-christ-installed-302661457.html

SOURCE Sagrada Familia

• Hyundai and UCI Health collaborate on child safety seat program, winning two Pinnacle Awards

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor America earned two honors in the 2025 Pinnacle Awards for Business for its partnership with UCI Health to advance community health and safety in Orange County, California, home of Hyundai’s North America headquarters. The company received the Platinum award in the Health and Safety Leadership category and the Diamond Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category.

Through Hyundai Hope, Hyundai Motor America’s corporate social responsibility initiative, the company is committed to fostering a culture of safety by supporting child passenger safety education programs nationwide. Since 2022, Hyundai has partnered with more than 10 leading hospitals to increase awareness of best practices for buckling in young passengers. In 2025, Hyundai expanded this effort by partnering with UCI Health, one of California’s largest academic health systems, to advance child passenger safety across Orange County and support the growth of UCI Health’s diabetes care program.

“Hyundai is honored to receive two Pinnacle Awards for its partnership with UCI Health,” said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America. “By partnering with trusted institutions, we are promoting safe practices in buckling children up as well as fostering access to preventative health services. This recognition underscores our broader commitment to uplifting children and families in the communities we serve, and our goal to help people live safer, healthier lives.”

Research shows that properly installed car seats can prevent injuries, making education essential to increase awareness and promote best practices. To help address this need, Hyundai partnered with UCI Health to support its car seat safety education programs which provide free inspections for families in need in Orange County, California.

The expansion of this partnership builds on Hyundai’s collaboration with the UCI Health Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), two community-based clinics in Santa Ana and Anaheim, California, that provide high-quality primary care, dental, and mental health services to low-income and underserved populations, including individuals with limited English proficiency and those experiencing homelessness. By combining vehicle safety advocacy with community health investment, Hyundai is supporting a holistic approach to well-being, empowering families with knowledge, resources, and access to essential care.

From AI-powered innovations to purpose-driven campaigns, the Pinnacle Awards spotlight the creative and strategic work shaping the future of marketing, public relations, communications, and social media.

Hyundai Hope
Hyundai Hope is the corporate social responsibility initiative from Hyundai Motor North America, committed to the principle of Progress for Humanity and the goal of improving the well-being of society. Hyundai Hope dedicates time, talent, and resources to nonprofit organizations that support health, safety, education, and sustainability, fostering positive growth in communities. For more information, visit www.HyundaiHope.com.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

Former DOE Loan Programs Office Director and Generate Capital Co-Founder Brings Unparalleled Infrastructure Finance Expertise to Advance America’s Clean Energy Transition  

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Palmetto, America’s leading consumer energy platform, today announced the appointment of Jigar Shah as Strategic Advisor, effective immediately. Shah, a renowned clean energy finance pioneer, former Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office, and Co-Managing Partner of Multiplier, a clean energy, cleantech, climate-tech and sustainability advisory services firm, joins Palmetto’s advisory board to guide the company’s next phase of strategic growth and capital deployment to help even more households save money by making the transition to clean energy. 

Shah, one of TIME100’s most influential people, brings over two decades of transformative experience in clean energy infrastructure finance, having facilitated billions of dollars in investments that have accelerated the deployment of renewable energy technologies across the globe. At Multiplier, Shah works directly with management teams to strengthen fundamentals, sharpen strategy, navigate policy, and align capital formation with likely outcomes. His appointment reinforces Palmetto’s commitment to scaling its digital-first marketplace and expanding access to clean energy solutions for millions of American households.

“Jigar Shah is one of the most respected voices in clean energy finance, with an unmatched track record of turning innovative technologies into scalable, profitable businesses that put money back in consumers’ pockets through lower home energy costs,” said Chris Kemper, CEO and Founder of Palmetto. “His deep understanding of infrastructure capital markets, combined with his passion for democratizing clean energy access and helping families save on their energy bills, makes him the ideal advisor to guide our strategic vision as we enter this critical growth phase.”

Driving Strategic Innovation in Consumer-Centric Clean Energy

As Strategic Advisor, Shah will provide counsel on Palmetto’s long-term strategic planning, capital allocation initiatives, and market expansion opportunities. He will play a key role in advising on the company’s innovative financing solutions, which currently help homeowners access solar, storage, HVAC, and energy-efficient appliances through flexible payment options that reduce barriers to clean energy adoption.

“Palmetto has built something truly remarkable – a consumer-first platform that makes clean energy accessible, affordable, and actionable for everyday Americans,” said Shah. ”I’m committed to leveraging my experience in infrastructure finance to help guide this model’s expansion nationwide and help even more people lower their electricity bills – Americans deserve a system that provides a simple, accessible platform that meets their needs at the best possible value.” 

Bringing a Proven Track Record of Clean Energy Leadership

Shah co-founded Generate Capital, a leading sustainable infrastructure investment and operating platform that has deployed over $7 billion in capital across hundreds of projects. Prior to Generate, he served as the founding CEO of SunEdison, where he pioneered the solar power purchase agreement (PPA) model that revolutionized renewable energy financing.

Most recently, Shah served as Director of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office under the Biden Administration, where he managed a $40+ billion portfolio focused on deploying clean energy technologies at scale. His leadership helped accelerate critical investments in battery manufacturing, clean hydrogen, and renewable energy infrastructure across the U.S..

Ushering in the Next Strategic Expansion Phase

Shah’s appointment follows Palmetto’s recent strategic initiatives, including the expansion of its Charlotte, NC headquarters, the launch of the Palmetto App, and the acquisition of The Cool Down, a leading clean-lifestyle media platform. These moves position the company to serve growing consumer demand for comprehensive clean energy solutions while maintaining its triple-bottom-line commitment to people, planet, and profit.

The addition of Shah to the advisory team underscores Palmetto’s evolution from a solar marketplace to a comprehensive consumer energy platform. With his expertise in large-scale infrastructure finance, Shah will help the company explore new financing mechanisms and partnership structures to accelerate clean energy adoption in the home.

About Palmetto

Palmetto is a consumer energy platform dedicated to making the clean energy transition simple, accessible, and affordable for American families. Through its digital-first marketplace, Palmetto connects homeowners with vetted clean energy partners and flexible financing solutions across solar, storage, HVAC, backup power, and energy-efficient appliances. The company’s mission is to enable millions of households to reduce utility costs, increase energy resilience, and achieve energy independence while supporting its Get Solar, Give Solar initiative that funds renewable energy access for underserved global communities.

Contact: press@palmetto.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/palmetto-welcomes-clean-energy-visionary-jigar-shah-to-advisory-board-to-accelerate-strategic-growth-of-the-consumer-first-clean-energy-platform-302661510.html

SOURCE Palmetto

JanSport expands beyond back-to-school with a collection that reflects today’s cultural shift toward wellness.

DENVER, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JanSport, a global leader in lifestyle and carry solutions, proudly announces the launch of its Lunar Lounge Collection, a bold new assortment designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s wellness-driven consumers. Available globally on January 14, 2026, this collection redefines versatility and style, offering pieces that seamlessly transition from movement to leisure.

The Lunar Lounge Collection embodies a unique duality—balancing emotional appeal with physical functionality. Rooted in product innovation, this assortment reinforces JanSport’s relevance beyond traditional back-to-school moments, positioning the brand as a go-to for modern, versatile living.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Lunar Lounge Collection, a line that expands our assortment and answers the call from consumers who want more than just our iconic backpacks. They want pieces that fit their lifestyle, their energy, and their values. This collection represents our commitment to innovation and to creating products that resonate with the way people live today.” — Alexandra Reveles, Vice President of Global Brand at JanSport.

This collection speaks to consumers who prioritize wellness as a lifestyle; those who flow between rituals, from group workouts to farmer’s market trips. They’re not just seeking gear; they’re curating pieces that reflect their style, values, and intention to live in the present.

According to a study by McKinsey, wellness remains a top priority globally, with 87% of Chinese, 82% of US, and 73% of UK consumers saying wellness is a top daily priority. The Lunar Lounge Collection answers this cultural shift with trend-forward designs, elevated aesthetics, and sustainable materials.

The Lunar Lounge Collection:

• Unphased Crossbody Small – $30
• Unphased Crossbody Large – $40
• Move Sling FX – $35
• SuperBreak Plus FX – $60
• Half Pint FX – $35

Each piece is offered in five colorways—Soft Nylon Moon Flower, Black, Pastel Lilac, Lime Citron, and Azul Blue—with select exclusives for the Move Sling FX.

Availability
The Lunar Lounge Collection will be available globally on January 14, 2026, at select specialty retailers and fully online at JanSport.com in the USA.

About JanSport
Since 1967, JanSport has lived true to its purpose: Always With You. The brand is a true and trusted ally throughout all life adventures and values inclusivity, authenticity, and self-expression. With sustainability at its core, JanSport is committed to improving the environmental impact of its products through material and manufacturing innovations while continuing to provide the same durability, versatility, and long-life JanSport packs are known for. Though the brand began by manufacturing and marketing world-class outdoor backpacks, today’s product offerings include a variety of daypacks, bags and accessories sold on www.jansport.com, in department stores, and in specialty and boutique retail locations worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-the-lunar-lounge-collection-by-jansport-a-new-era-of-comfort-and-style-302661435.html

SOURCE JanSport

JanSport expands beyond back-to-school with a collection that reflects today’s cultural shift toward wellness.

DENVER, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JanSport, a global leader in lifestyle and carry solutions, proudly announces the launch of its Lunar Lounge Collection, a bold new assortment designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s wellness-driven consumers. Available globally on January 14, 2026, this collection redefines versatility and style, offering pieces that seamlessly transition from movement to leisure.

The Lunar Lounge Collection embodies a unique duality—balancing emotional appeal with physical functionality. Rooted in product innovation, this assortment reinforces JanSport’s relevance beyond traditional back-to-school moments, positioning the brand as a go-to for modern, versatile living.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Lunar Lounge Collection, a line that expands our assortment and answers the call from consumers who want more than just our iconic backpacks. They want pieces that fit their lifestyle, their energy, and their values. This collection represents our commitment to innovation and to creating products that resonate with the way people live today.” — Alexandra Reveles, Vice President of Global Brand at JanSport.

This collection speaks to consumers who prioritize wellness as a lifestyle; those who flow between rituals, from group workouts to farmer’s market trips. They’re not just seeking gear; they’re curating pieces that reflect their style, values, and intention to live in the present.

According to a study by McKinsey, wellness remains a top priority globally, with 87% of Chinese, 82% of US, and 73% of UK consumers saying wellness is a top daily priority. The Lunar Lounge Collection answers this cultural shift with trend-forward designs, elevated aesthetics, and sustainable materials.

The Lunar Lounge Collection:

• Unphased Crossbody Small – $30
• Unphased Crossbody Large – $40
• Move Sling FX – $35
• SuperBreak Plus FX – $60
• Half Pint FX – $35

Each piece is offered in five colorways—Soft Nylon Moon Flower, Black, Pastel Lilac, Lime Citron, and Azul Blue—with select exclusives for the Move Sling FX.

Availability
The Lunar Lounge Collection will be available globally on January 14, 2026, at select specialty retailers and fully online at JanSport.com in the USA.

About JanSport
Since 1967, JanSport has lived true to its purpose: Always With You. The brand is a true and trusted ally throughout all life adventures and values inclusivity, authenticity, and self-expression. With sustainability at its core, JanSport is committed to improving the environmental impact of its products through material and manufacturing innovations while continuing to provide the same durability, versatility, and long-life JanSport packs are known for. Though the brand began by manufacturing and marketing world-class outdoor backpacks, today’s product offerings include a variety of daypacks, bags and accessories sold on www.jansport.com, in department stores, and in specialty and boutique retail locations worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-the-lunar-lounge-collection-by-jansport-a-new-era-of-comfort-and-style-302661435.html

SOURCE JanSport

AI Housing Navigator Grant Aims to Speed Access to Stable Homes

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As housing agencies nationwide face growing demand and mounting administrative pressure, AffordableHousing.com, in partnership with Learning Collider, has been selected as a grantee of the Public Benefit Innovation Fund (PBIF), a national initiative led by the Center for Civic Futures that is investing $8.5 million in artificial intelligence projects designed to improve how essential public benefit programs are delivered nationwide. 

With support from PBIF funders and partners, AffordableHousing.com and Learning Collider will build an AI Housing Navigator designed to help people more easily find and qualify for housing while enabling housing agencies and partners to deliver assistance faster and more clearly. The initiative aims to reduce administrative friction, improve program navigation, and accelerate access to stable housing for families who rely on critical housing support. 

The project is intended to shorten the time it takes families to secure housing while helping agencies process applications more efficiently and with fewer errors. 

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, AffordableHousing.com will lead development of the housing-focused initiative. 

The AffordableHousing.com AI Housing Navigator will support users across multiple stages of the housing process, helping translate complex requirements into clear, actionable guidance while giving agencies and partners tools to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and improve outcomes. 

“This work is about making the housing process easier to navigate for the people who need it most—and more efficient for the agencies and partners who support them,” said Richard Cupelli, CEO of AffordableHousing.com. “We’re proud to collaborate with Learning Collider and the PBIF cohort to responsibly test what’s possible and focus on what actually works.” 

As PBIF grantees, AffordableHousing.com and Learning Collider will participate in a shared learning cohort alongside states, practitioners, and fellow innovators, contributing insights and best practices to advance the responsible use of AI in housing assistance delivery. 

About AffordableHousing.com 
AffordableHousing.com is the nation’s largest dedicated online platform for affordable housing and a trusted technology partner to thousands of public housing agencies nationwide. For more than two decades, the company has delivered tools that help families secure safe, stable homes across naturally occurring affordable housing, Section 8, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. By connecting renters, property owners, and housing agencies through a single integrated platform, AffordableHousing.com supports more efficient housing programs and broader access nationwide. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.  

About Learning Collider 
Learning Collider is a civic innovation organization that partners with governments, nonprofits, and technologists to design and test responsible, human-centered AI solutions that improve public systems and outcomes. 

About the Public Benefit Innovation Fund 
The Public Benefit Innovation Fund supports projects that responsibly apply AI to strengthen public benefit delivery, reduce administrative burden, and improve access to essential services. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/affordablehousingcom-and-learning-collider-awarded-public-benefit-innovation-fund-grant-to-improve-housing-assistance-delivery-302661384.html

SOURCE AffordableHousing.com

– This year’s Prevent Blindness “It Started With an Eye Exam” campaign shares patient testimonials on how eye exams saved sight and improved quality of life –

CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prevent Blindness, the nation’s leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is embarking on its second “It Started With an Eye Exam” campaign, aiming to spread awareness and encourage the public to share their stories on the positive impact of eye exams and treatment on their life. The “It Started With an Eye Exam” program is supported by a grant from Viatris Inc., a global healthcare company.

Starting on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, Prevent Blindness will begin sharing a new series of stories, including videos, on its various social media channels of those whose lives have been positively impacted through eye care and treatment. The public is invited to share their stories, using #ItStartedWithanEyeExam or submit their stories to Prevent Blindness for sharing at PreventBlindness.org/getting-professional-eye-care. 

Access to eye care may begin with a certified vision screening, such as those provided by Prevent Blindness and its network of affiliates. For individuals who do not pass a vision screening and are unable to afford care on their own, Prevent Blindness partners with leading companies, such as AEG Vision, EssilorLuxottica Foundation, VSP Vision, and Zenni, to provide vouchers for eye exams and prescription glasses.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, different types of eye exams include:

• Routine/General exams: These are like a routine physical or checkup for your eyes. These happen regularly for people with no eye conditions or those who need corrective lenses.
   
• Follow-up exams: This is a more specific type of exam, for example, follow up after a previous eye injury or procedure. People with certain chronic conditions, like diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, also need regular follow-up exams.
   
• Medical/Emergency exams: These happen when there might be an issue affecting your vision — especially an urgent one. Examples include an eye injury, sudden vision loss, or a head injury.

In addition to eye exams for vision correction, including prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses, eye exams with dilation may detect eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. And, a comprehensive eye exam may also detect other health issues, such as brain stroke, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dilation is a critical part of an eye exam that temporarily widens the pupil to allow the eye care provider to check the health of the back of the eye. Drops are available to un-dilate the eye faster, if needed.

Prevent Blindness provides a free directory of vision care financial assistance resources in English and Spanish at PreventBlindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information. For glaucoma, Prevent Blindness offers a listing of glaucoma financial assistance programs at https://preventblindness.org/glaucoma-help.

“I know from personal experience the tremendous impact that access to quality eyecare has on everything, from success in the classroom as a child, to being able to maintian independence as an adult,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Our ‘It Started With an Eye Exam’ campaign is designed to spread the word about how healthy vision improves lives across the age span of children, adults, and seniors.”

For general vision and eye health information, please visit PreventBlindness.org. 
To share your story through the It Started With an Eye Exam program, visit https://preventblindness.org/getting-professional-eye-care.

About Prevent Blindness
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/it-started-with-an-eye-exam-campaign-from-prevent-blindness-rolls-out-in-its-second-year-to-share-stories-on-the-positive-impact-of-access-to-eye-care-302660605.html

SOURCE Prevent Blindness

– This year’s Prevent Blindness “It Started With an Eye Exam” campaign shares patient testimonials on how eye exams saved sight and improved quality of life –

CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prevent Blindness, the nation’s leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight, is embarking on its second “It Started With an Eye Exam” campaign, aiming to spread awareness and encourage the public to share their stories on the positive impact of eye exams and treatment on their life. The “It Started With an Eye Exam” program is supported by a grant from Viatris Inc., a global healthcare company.

Starting on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, Prevent Blindness will begin sharing a new series of stories, including videos, on its various social media channels of those whose lives have been positively impacted through eye care and treatment. The public is invited to share their stories, using #ItStartedWithanEyeExam or submit their stories to Prevent Blindness for sharing at PreventBlindness.org/getting-professional-eye-care. 

Access to eye care may begin with a certified vision screening, such as those provided by Prevent Blindness and its network of affiliates. For individuals who do not pass a vision screening and are unable to afford care on their own, Prevent Blindness partners with leading companies, such as AEG Vision, EssilorLuxottica Foundation, VSP Vision, and Zenni, to provide vouchers for eye exams and prescription glasses.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, different types of eye exams include:

• Routine/General exams: These are like a routine physical or checkup for your eyes. These happen regularly for people with no eye conditions or those who need corrective lenses.
   
• Follow-up exams: This is a more specific type of exam, for example, follow up after a previous eye injury or procedure. People with certain chronic conditions, like diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, also need regular follow-up exams.
   
• Medical/Emergency exams: These happen when there might be an issue affecting your vision — especially an urgent one. Examples include an eye injury, sudden vision loss, or a head injury.

In addition to eye exams for vision correction, including prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses, eye exams with dilation may detect eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. And, a comprehensive eye exam may also detect other health issues, such as brain stroke, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dilation is a critical part of an eye exam that temporarily widens the pupil to allow the eye care provider to check the health of the back of the eye. Drops are available to un-dilate the eye faster, if needed.

Prevent Blindness provides a free directory of vision care financial assistance resources in English and Spanish at PreventBlindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information. For glaucoma, Prevent Blindness offers a listing of glaucoma financial assistance programs at https://preventblindness.org/glaucoma-help.

“I know from personal experience the tremendous impact that access to quality eyecare has on everything, from success in the classroom as a child, to being able to maintian independence as an adult,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Our ‘It Started With an Eye Exam’ campaign is designed to spread the word about how healthy vision improves lives across the age span of children, adults, and seniors.”

For general vision and eye health information, please visit PreventBlindness.org. 
To share your story through the It Started With an Eye Exam program, visit https://preventblindness.org/getting-professional-eye-care.

About Prevent Blindness
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, visit us at PreventBlindness.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

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SOURCE Prevent Blindness