Tag: PR Newswire

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Golisano announced a $125 million investment in three children’s hospitals which will now be added to the nationwide network of the Golisano Children’s Alliance. As part of the investment, Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio will receive $50 million, Dayton Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio will receive $40 million, and Avera Health in Sioux Falls, S.D. will receive $35 million.

The addition of these three hospitals brings the total number of Golisano Children’s Alliance hospitals to 15 across the United States. The Alliance is a growing national network of children’s hospitals united by a shared commitment to improving pediatric healthcare delivery, advancing innovation, and ensuring children and families have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

Each hospital will become active members of the Golisano Children’s Alliance and will prominently recognize the Golisano name. Akron Children’s Hospital will name its Akron Campus “Akron Children’s, Golisano Campus”; Dayton Children’s Hospital will name its main campus the “Golisano Comprehensive Care Campus”; and Avera Health will name its children’s hospital “Avera Golisano Children’s Hospital” which will be in its new patient care tower set to open in 2027.

“All three of these hospitals provide outstanding care for the children in their communities, and we look forward to seeing what they can do with the added resources being a member of the Golisano Children’s Alliance provides,” said Tom Golisano. “As a father and grandfather, nothing brings me greater joy than seeing how better access to healthcare improves the lives of children and their families. It is my plan to continue with this mission, and I look forward to working with more hospitals and building out the network further over the months and years to come.”

“We’re excited to expand the Golisano Children’s Alliance once again,” said Erica Dayton, Executive Director for the Golisano Foundation. “Millions of children will have better access to state-of-the-art healthcare close to their homes thanks to these donations and the close collaboration and connection the alliance creates between hospitals that join the network.”

The Golisano Children’s Alliance was founded in October 2025 when Mr. Golisano significantly expanded his support of children’s hospitals with a transformative philanthropic commitment totaling $403 million. Today’s announcement brings Mr. Golisano’s total giving toward this initiative to $578 million.

Mr. Golisano continues to actively build relationships with children’s hospitals across the country, with a long-term goal of expanding the Golisano Children’s Alliance to 40 hospitals over the next several years. More hospital partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming year.

For more information on the Golisano Children’s Alliance, visit golisanofoundation.org/alliance.

About Tom Golisano
Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader—is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals—including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion. 

A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

In 2025, Mr. Golisano launched the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national initiative that provides strategic funding and brings together children’s hospitals across the United States to elevate pediatric care by expanding services, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that children and families have access to the highest quality medical attention close to home. Together, Alliance members are building a nationally recognized network that exemplifies excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric health care.

Media Contact
Wendy Boyce, McDougall Communications
wendy@mcdougallpr.com or (585) 752-5805 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tom-golisano-invests-125-million-in-three-additional-childrens-hospitals-expanding-golisano-childrens-alliance-to-15-members-nationwide-302746659.html

SOURCE Golisano Foundation

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Golisano announced a $125 million investment in three children’s hospitals which will now be added to the nationwide network of the Golisano Children’s Alliance. As part of the investment, Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio will receive $50 million, Dayton Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio will receive $40 million, and Avera Health in Sioux Falls, S.D. will receive $35 million.

The addition of these three hospitals brings the total number of Golisano Children’s Alliance hospitals to 15 across the United States. The Alliance is a growing national network of children’s hospitals united by a shared commitment to improving pediatric healthcare delivery, advancing innovation, and ensuring children and families have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

Each hospital will become active members of the Golisano Children’s Alliance and will prominently recognize the Golisano name. Akron Children’s Hospital will name its Akron Campus “Akron Children’s, Golisano Campus”; Dayton Children’s Hospital will name its main campus the “Golisano Comprehensive Care Campus”; and Avera Health will name its children’s hospital “Avera Golisano Children’s Hospital” which will be in its new patient care tower set to open in 2027.

“All three of these hospitals provide outstanding care for the children in their communities, and we look forward to seeing what they can do with the added resources being a member of the Golisano Children’s Alliance provides,” said Tom Golisano. “As a father and grandfather, nothing brings me greater joy than seeing how better access to healthcare improves the lives of children and their families. It is my plan to continue with this mission, and I look forward to working with more hospitals and building out the network further over the months and years to come.”

“We’re excited to expand the Golisano Children’s Alliance once again,” said Erica Dayton, Executive Director for the Golisano Foundation. “Millions of children will have better access to state-of-the-art healthcare close to their homes thanks to these donations and the close collaboration and connection the alliance creates between hospitals that join the network.”

The Golisano Children’s Alliance was founded in October 2025 when Mr. Golisano significantly expanded his support of children’s hospitals with a transformative philanthropic commitment totaling $403 million. Today’s announcement brings Mr. Golisano’s total giving toward this initiative to $578 million.

Mr. Golisano continues to actively build relationships with children’s hospitals across the country, with a long-term goal of expanding the Golisano Children’s Alliance to 40 hospitals over the next several years. More hospital partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming year.

For more information on the Golisano Children’s Alliance, visit golisanofoundation.org/alliance.

About Tom Golisano
Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader—is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals—including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion. 

A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

In 2025, Mr. Golisano launched the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national initiative that provides strategic funding and brings together children’s hospitals across the United States to elevate pediatric care by expanding services, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that children and families have access to the highest quality medical attention close to home. Together, Alliance members are building a nationally recognized network that exemplifies excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric health care.

Media Contact
Wendy Boyce, McDougall Communications
wendy@mcdougallpr.com or (585) 752-5805 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tom-golisano-invests-125-million-in-three-additional-childrens-hospitals-expanding-golisano-childrens-alliance-to-15-members-nationwide-302746659.html

SOURCE Golisano Foundation

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Golisano announced a $125 million investment in three children’s hospitals which will now be added to the nationwide network of the Golisano Children’s Alliance. As part of the investment, Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio will receive $50 million, Dayton Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio will receive $40 million, and Avera Health in Sioux Falls, S.D. will receive $35 million.

The addition of these three hospitals brings the total number of Golisano Children’s Alliance hospitals to 15 across the United States. The Alliance is a growing national network of children’s hospitals united by a shared commitment to improving pediatric healthcare delivery, advancing innovation, and ensuring children and families have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

Each hospital will become active members of the Golisano Children’s Alliance and will prominently recognize the Golisano name. Akron Children’s Hospital will name its Akron Campus “Akron Children’s, Golisano Campus”; Dayton Children’s Hospital will name its main campus the “Golisano Comprehensive Care Campus”; and Avera Health will name its children’s hospital “Avera Golisano Children’s Hospital” which will be in its new patient care tower set to open in 2027.

“All three of these hospitals provide outstanding care for the children in their communities, and we look forward to seeing what they can do with the added resources being a member of the Golisano Children’s Alliance provides,” said Tom Golisano. “As a father and grandfather, nothing brings me greater joy than seeing how better access to healthcare improves the lives of children and their families. It is my plan to continue with this mission, and I look forward to working with more hospitals and building out the network further over the months and years to come.”

“We’re excited to expand the Golisano Children’s Alliance once again,” said Erica Dayton, Executive Director for the Golisano Foundation. “Millions of children will have better access to state-of-the-art healthcare close to their homes thanks to these donations and the close collaboration and connection the alliance creates between hospitals that join the network.”

The Golisano Children’s Alliance was founded in October 2025 when Mr. Golisano significantly expanded his support of children’s hospitals with a transformative philanthropic commitment totaling $403 million. Today’s announcement brings Mr. Golisano’s total giving toward this initiative to $578 million.

Mr. Golisano continues to actively build relationships with children’s hospitals across the country, with a long-term goal of expanding the Golisano Children’s Alliance to 40 hospitals over the next several years. More hospital partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming year.

For more information on the Golisano Children’s Alliance, visit golisanofoundation.org/alliance.

About Tom Golisano
Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader—is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals—including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion. 

A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

In 2025, Mr. Golisano launched the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national initiative that provides strategic funding and brings together children’s hospitals across the United States to elevate pediatric care by expanding services, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that children and families have access to the highest quality medical attention close to home. Together, Alliance members are building a nationally recognized network that exemplifies excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric health care.

Media Contact
Wendy Boyce, McDougall Communications
wendy@mcdougallpr.com or (585) 752-5805 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tom-golisano-invests-125-million-in-three-additional-childrens-hospitals-expanding-golisano-childrens-alliance-to-15-members-nationwide-302746659.html

SOURCE Golisano Foundation

ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Golisano announced a $125 million investment in three children’s hospitals which will now be added to the nationwide network of the Golisano Children’s Alliance. As part of the investment, Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio will receive $50 million, Dayton Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio will receive $40 million, and Avera Health in Sioux Falls, S.D. will receive $35 million.

The addition of these three hospitals brings the total number of Golisano Children’s Alliance hospitals to 15 across the United States. The Alliance is a growing national network of children’s hospitals united by a shared commitment to improving pediatric healthcare delivery, advancing innovation, and ensuring children and families have access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

Each hospital will become active members of the Golisano Children’s Alliance and will prominently recognize the Golisano name. Akron Children’s Hospital will name its Akron Campus “Akron Children’s, Golisano Campus”; Dayton Children’s Hospital will name its main campus the “Golisano Comprehensive Care Campus”; and Avera Health will name its children’s hospital “Avera Golisano Children’s Hospital” which will be in its new patient care tower set to open in 2027.

“All three of these hospitals provide outstanding care for the children in their communities, and we look forward to seeing what they can do with the added resources being a member of the Golisano Children’s Alliance provides,” said Tom Golisano. “As a father and grandfather, nothing brings me greater joy than seeing how better access to healthcare improves the lives of children and their families. It is my plan to continue with this mission, and I look forward to working with more hospitals and building out the network further over the months and years to come.”

“We’re excited to expand the Golisano Children’s Alliance once again,” said Erica Dayton, Executive Director for the Golisano Foundation. “Millions of children will have better access to state-of-the-art healthcare close to their homes thanks to these donations and the close collaboration and connection the alliance creates between hospitals that join the network.”

The Golisano Children’s Alliance was founded in October 2025 when Mr. Golisano significantly expanded his support of children’s hospitals with a transformative philanthropic commitment totaling $403 million. Today’s announcement brings Mr. Golisano’s total giving toward this initiative to $578 million.

Mr. Golisano continues to actively build relationships with children’s hospitals across the country, with a long-term goal of expanding the Golisano Children’s Alliance to 40 hospitals over the next several years. More hospital partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming year.

For more information on the Golisano Children’s Alliance, visit golisanofoundation.org/alliance.

About Tom Golisano
Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader—is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, healthcare, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals—including multiple children’s hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion. 

A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding grants to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

In 2025, Mr. Golisano launched the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national initiative that provides strategic funding and brings together children’s hospitals across the United States to elevate pediatric care by expanding services, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that children and families have access to the highest quality medical attention close to home. Together, Alliance members are building a nationally recognized network that exemplifies excellence, dignity, and innovation in pediatric health care.

Media Contact
Wendy Boyce, McDougall Communications
wendy@mcdougallpr.com or (585) 752-5805 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tom-golisano-invests-125-million-in-three-additional-childrens-hospitals-expanding-golisano-childrens-alliance-to-15-members-nationwide-302746659.html

SOURCE Golisano Foundation

Combining style, durability and affordability, the family-owned optical company introduces a new line of kids’ glasses built for everyday life.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LensDirect.com, a leading online retailer of vision care products, today announced the launch of Lolos Children’s Eyewear, a new line of prescription glasses designed specifically for kids. Built with both fashion and function in mind, Lolos aims to solve a longstanding gap in the market – children’s eyewear that is both stylish and reasonably priced.

The inspiration behind Lolos is both personal and practical. As a child, CEO Ryan Alovis wore bulky, oversized frames that weren’t designed with kids in mind – an experience that left him feeling self-conscious and wishing for better options. Years later, as a father of two young boys, he saw the same problem persist. Many of their friends needed glasses, yet the choices remained limited – often either too expensive or lacking in style. Lolos was created to change that.

Starting at $69 for a complete pair of prescription glasses, Lolos includes premium features at no additional cost, along with free shipping and a one-year, kid-proof guarantee with a new technology, OppsTech, which provides 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking.

“Lolos was built to meet the realities of being a kid,” said Ryan Alovis, CEO of LensDirect.com. “We saw a clear need for eyewear that could handle everyday activity without sacrificing style or affordability, and we’re excited to bring that to market.”

Designed for school, play, and everything in between, Lolos frames incorporate several proprietary features outlined in the company’s launch materials:

• OopsTech – 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking
• FlexFit – adjustable arms for a more customized, comfortable fit
• ActiveGrip – silicone nose pads and temple tips to prevent slipping
• Hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin

Each pair is built to withstand the demands of daily use, from classrooms to playgrounds, with frames designed to bend, bounce back, and stay in place. LensDirect also backs Lolos with its Kid-Proof One-Year Guarantee. If frames are broken within 365 days, they will be replaced – no questions asked.

As with all LensDirect products, lenses are cut and installed in the company’s owned and operated New York lab and include anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and UV protection coatings at no additional cost.

Lolos is now available at LensDirect.com/lolos. 

About LensDirect:

Founded in 1992, LensDirect.com is one of the largest independent online retailers of optical goods, experiencing explosive growth driven by a relentless customer-first approach. The company has earned numerous accolades for exceptional customer support and built a reputation for delivering high-quality vision care at competitive prices, backed by over 100 years of optical heritage. As one of the few online DTC retailers that owns and operates its own proprietary optical lab, LensDirect maintains full control over quality, speed, and precision. LensDirect leverages advanced technology, including AR facial scanning for virtual try-on and a seamless online eye exam, to enhance the customer experience, offering leading brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley alongside its own proprietary lines including Delancey Street, Fordham, and Lolos Children’s Eyewear, and is known for its innovative lens replacement service – allowing customers to keep their frames and simply replace the lenses.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lensdirectcom-launches-lolos-childrens-eyewear-with-new-oopstech-innovation-for-breakproof-durability-302746327.html

SOURCE LensDirect.com

Combining style, durability and affordability, the family-owned optical company introduces a new line of kids’ glasses built for everyday life.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LensDirect.com, a leading online retailer of vision care products, today announced the launch of Lolos Children’s Eyewear, a new line of prescription glasses designed specifically for kids. Built with both fashion and function in mind, Lolos aims to solve a longstanding gap in the market – children’s eyewear that is both stylish and reasonably priced.

The inspiration behind Lolos is both personal and practical. As a child, CEO Ryan Alovis wore bulky, oversized frames that weren’t designed with kids in mind – an experience that left him feeling self-conscious and wishing for better options. Years later, as a father of two young boys, he saw the same problem persist. Many of their friends needed glasses, yet the choices remained limited – often either too expensive or lacking in style. Lolos was created to change that.

Starting at $69 for a complete pair of prescription glasses, Lolos includes premium features at no additional cost, along with free shipping and a one-year, kid-proof guarantee with a new technology, OppsTech, which provides 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking.

“Lolos was built to meet the realities of being a kid,” said Ryan Alovis, CEO of LensDirect.com. “We saw a clear need for eyewear that could handle everyday activity without sacrificing style or affordability, and we’re excited to bring that to market.”

Designed for school, play, and everything in between, Lolos frames incorporate several proprietary features outlined in the company’s launch materials:

• OopsTech – 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking
• FlexFit – adjustable arms for a more customized, comfortable fit
• ActiveGrip – silicone nose pads and temple tips to prevent slipping
• Hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin

Each pair is built to withstand the demands of daily use, from classrooms to playgrounds, with frames designed to bend, bounce back, and stay in place. LensDirect also backs Lolos with its Kid-Proof One-Year Guarantee. If frames are broken within 365 days, they will be replaced – no questions asked.

As with all LensDirect products, lenses are cut and installed in the company’s owned and operated New York lab and include anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and UV protection coatings at no additional cost.

Lolos is now available at LensDirect.com/lolos. 

About LensDirect:

Founded in 1992, LensDirect.com is one of the largest independent online retailers of optical goods, experiencing explosive growth driven by a relentless customer-first approach. The company has earned numerous accolades for exceptional customer support and built a reputation for delivering high-quality vision care at competitive prices, backed by over 100 years of optical heritage. As one of the few online DTC retailers that owns and operates its own proprietary optical lab, LensDirect maintains full control over quality, speed, and precision. LensDirect leverages advanced technology, including AR facial scanning for virtual try-on and a seamless online eye exam, to enhance the customer experience, offering leading brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley alongside its own proprietary lines including Delancey Street, Fordham, and Lolos Children’s Eyewear, and is known for its innovative lens replacement service – allowing customers to keep their frames and simply replace the lenses.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lensdirectcom-launches-lolos-childrens-eyewear-with-new-oopstech-innovation-for-breakproof-durability-302746327.html

SOURCE LensDirect.com

Combining style, durability and affordability, the family-owned optical company introduces a new line of kids’ glasses built for everyday life.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LensDirect.com, a leading online retailer of vision care products, today announced the launch of Lolos Children’s Eyewear, a new line of prescription glasses designed specifically for kids. Built with both fashion and function in mind, Lolos aims to solve a longstanding gap in the market – children’s eyewear that is both stylish and reasonably priced.

The inspiration behind Lolos is both personal and practical. As a child, CEO Ryan Alovis wore bulky, oversized frames that weren’t designed with kids in mind – an experience that left him feeling self-conscious and wishing for better options. Years later, as a father of two young boys, he saw the same problem persist. Many of their friends needed glasses, yet the choices remained limited – often either too expensive or lacking in style. Lolos was created to change that.

Starting at $69 for a complete pair of prescription glasses, Lolos includes premium features at no additional cost, along with free shipping and a one-year, kid-proof guarantee with a new technology, OppsTech, which provides 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking.

“Lolos was built to meet the realities of being a kid,” said Ryan Alovis, CEO of LensDirect.com. “We saw a clear need for eyewear that could handle everyday activity without sacrificing style or affordability, and we’re excited to bring that to market.”

Designed for school, play, and everything in between, Lolos frames incorporate several proprietary features outlined in the company’s launch materials:

• OopsTech – 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking
• FlexFit – adjustable arms for a more customized, comfortable fit
• ActiveGrip – silicone nose pads and temple tips to prevent slipping
• Hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin

Each pair is built to withstand the demands of daily use, from classrooms to playgrounds, with frames designed to bend, bounce back, and stay in place. LensDirect also backs Lolos with its Kid-Proof One-Year Guarantee. If frames are broken within 365 days, they will be replaced – no questions asked.

As with all LensDirect products, lenses are cut and installed in the company’s owned and operated New York lab and include anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and UV protection coatings at no additional cost.

Lolos is now available at LensDirect.com/lolos. 

About LensDirect:

Founded in 1992, LensDirect.com is one of the largest independent online retailers of optical goods, experiencing explosive growth driven by a relentless customer-first approach. The company has earned numerous accolades for exceptional customer support and built a reputation for delivering high-quality vision care at competitive prices, backed by over 100 years of optical heritage. As one of the few online DTC retailers that owns and operates its own proprietary optical lab, LensDirect maintains full control over quality, speed, and precision. LensDirect leverages advanced technology, including AR facial scanning for virtual try-on and a seamless online eye exam, to enhance the customer experience, offering leading brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley alongside its own proprietary lines including Delancey Street, Fordham, and Lolos Children’s Eyewear, and is known for its innovative lens replacement service – allowing customers to keep their frames and simply replace the lenses.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lensdirectcom-launches-lolos-childrens-eyewear-with-new-oopstech-innovation-for-breakproof-durability-302746327.html

SOURCE LensDirect.com

Combining style, durability and affordability, the family-owned optical company introduces a new line of kids’ glasses built for everyday life.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LensDirect.com, a leading online retailer of vision care products, today announced the launch of Lolos Children’s Eyewear, a new line of prescription glasses designed specifically for kids. Built with both fashion and function in mind, Lolos aims to solve a longstanding gap in the market – children’s eyewear that is both stylish and reasonably priced.

The inspiration behind Lolos is both personal and practical. As a child, CEO Ryan Alovis wore bulky, oversized frames that weren’t designed with kids in mind – an experience that left him feeling self-conscious and wishing for better options. Years later, as a father of two young boys, he saw the same problem persist. Many of their friends needed glasses, yet the choices remained limited – often either too expensive or lacking in style. Lolos was created to change that.

Starting at $69 for a complete pair of prescription glasses, Lolos includes premium features at no additional cost, along with free shipping and a one-year, kid-proof guarantee with a new technology, OppsTech, which provides 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking.

“Lolos was built to meet the realities of being a kid,” said Ryan Alovis, CEO of LensDirect.com. “We saw a clear need for eyewear that could handle everyday activity without sacrificing style or affordability, and we’re excited to bring that to market.”

Designed for school, play, and everything in between, Lolos frames incorporate several proprietary features outlined in the company’s launch materials:

• OopsTech – 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking
• FlexFit – adjustable arms for a more customized, comfortable fit
• ActiveGrip – silicone nose pads and temple tips to prevent slipping
• Hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin

Each pair is built to withstand the demands of daily use, from classrooms to playgrounds, with frames designed to bend, bounce back, and stay in place. LensDirect also backs Lolos with its Kid-Proof One-Year Guarantee. If frames are broken within 365 days, they will be replaced – no questions asked.

As with all LensDirect products, lenses are cut and installed in the company’s owned and operated New York lab and include anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and UV protection coatings at no additional cost.

Lolos is now available at LensDirect.com/lolos. 

About LensDirect:

Founded in 1992, LensDirect.com is one of the largest independent online retailers of optical goods, experiencing explosive growth driven by a relentless customer-first approach. The company has earned numerous accolades for exceptional customer support and built a reputation for delivering high-quality vision care at competitive prices, backed by over 100 years of optical heritage. As one of the few online DTC retailers that owns and operates its own proprietary optical lab, LensDirect maintains full control over quality, speed, and precision. LensDirect leverages advanced technology, including AR facial scanning for virtual try-on and a seamless online eye exam, to enhance the customer experience, offering leading brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley alongside its own proprietary lines including Delancey Street, Fordham, and Lolos Children’s Eyewear, and is known for its innovative lens replacement service – allowing customers to keep their frames and simply replace the lenses.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lensdirectcom-launches-lolos-childrens-eyewear-with-new-oopstech-innovation-for-breakproof-durability-302746327.html

SOURCE LensDirect.com

Combining style, durability and affordability, the family-owned optical company introduces a new line of kids’ glasses built for everyday life.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LensDirect.com, a leading online retailer of vision care products, today announced the launch of Lolos Children’s Eyewear, a new line of prescription glasses designed specifically for kids. Built with both fashion and function in mind, Lolos aims to solve a longstanding gap in the market – children’s eyewear that is both stylish and reasonably priced.

The inspiration behind Lolos is both personal and practical. As a child, CEO Ryan Alovis wore bulky, oversized frames that weren’t designed with kids in mind – an experience that left him feeling self-conscious and wishing for better options. Years later, as a father of two young boys, he saw the same problem persist. Many of their friends needed glasses, yet the choices remained limited – often either too expensive or lacking in style. Lolos was created to change that.

Starting at $69 for a complete pair of prescription glasses, Lolos includes premium features at no additional cost, along with free shipping and a one-year, kid-proof guarantee with a new technology, OppsTech, which provides 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking.

“Lolos was built to meet the realities of being a kid,” said Ryan Alovis, CEO of LensDirect.com. “We saw a clear need for eyewear that could handle everyday activity without sacrificing style or affordability, and we’re excited to bring that to market.”

Designed for school, play, and everything in between, Lolos frames incorporate several proprietary features outlined in the company’s launch materials:

• OopsTech – 180° bendable frames built to flex without breaking
• FlexFit – adjustable arms for a more customized, comfortable fit
• ActiveGrip – silicone nose pads and temple tips to prevent slipping
• Hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin

Each pair is built to withstand the demands of daily use, from classrooms to playgrounds, with frames designed to bend, bounce back, and stay in place. LensDirect also backs Lolos with its Kid-Proof One-Year Guarantee. If frames are broken within 365 days, they will be replaced – no questions asked.

As with all LensDirect products, lenses are cut and installed in the company’s owned and operated New York lab and include anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and UV protection coatings at no additional cost.

Lolos is now available at LensDirect.com/lolos. 

About LensDirect:

Founded in 1992, LensDirect.com is one of the largest independent online retailers of optical goods, experiencing explosive growth driven by a relentless customer-first approach. The company has earned numerous accolades for exceptional customer support and built a reputation for delivering high-quality vision care at competitive prices, backed by over 100 years of optical heritage. As one of the few online DTC retailers that owns and operates its own proprietary optical lab, LensDirect maintains full control over quality, speed, and precision. LensDirect leverages advanced technology, including AR facial scanning for virtual try-on and a seamless online eye exam, to enhance the customer experience, offering leading brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley alongside its own proprietary lines including Delancey Street, Fordham, and Lolos Children’s Eyewear, and is known for its innovative lens replacement service – allowing customers to keep their frames and simply replace the lenses.

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SOURCE LensDirect.com

SION, Switzerland and SELZACH, Switzerland, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smartflyer announces the successful delivery of the first batch of Adagio battery modules from H55, marking not only a key milestone in the development of the Smartflyer SFX1 aircraft, but also a significant step in the industrialisation and commercial deployment of H55’s certified electric propulsion technologies.

For Smartflyer, the delivery represents a critical step forward in the SFX1 Proof of Concept Demonstrator program, enabling the transition from component-level validation to full system integration and testing. For H55, it marks the continued integration of its certification-ready battery systems into active aircraft programs, reinforcing its position as a provider of scalable, commercially deployable electric propulsion solutions.

The newly delivered Adagio battery modules will be integrated into the SFX1 Aircraft as part of the next phase of development. This includes comprehensive system-level validation covering propulsion architecture, energy management, and other critical aircraft systems, in preparation for the upcoming ground test campaign.

At the same time, this milestone reflects the maturity and readiness of H55’s product portfolio. The Adagio battery system has successfully completed all regulator-required certification tests, demonstrating its safety, reliability, and suitability for integration across a growing range of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft applications.

The SFX1 program is now entering an advanced stage of development, with integration activities intensifying across multiple workstreams. Ongoing efforts focus on coordinating installation, calibration, and test readiness to ensure a smooth transition into the next milestones. Ground testing of the SFX1 is planned for this summer, with the first flight targeted for autumn, keeping the program aligned with its development roadmap.

“Receiving the first Adagio battery modules from H55 is a major milestone for Smartflyer and a key enabler for the next phase of our development program. It also highlights the strength of our collaboration with a partner whose technology is not only innovative but ready for real-world application. Together, we are taking concrete steps toward bringing efficient and sustainable aviation solutions to market,” said Rolf Stuber, CEO of Smartflyer.

“This delivery marks an important step in bringing H55’s certified battery and propulsion solutions into operational aircraft programs. Our collaboration with Smartflyer illustrates how our technology, spanning both electric and hybrid-electric configurations, is moving from development into commercial application, enabling aircraft manufacturers to accelerate their path to flight. We are proud to support the SFX1 program and contribute to the broader adoption of electric and hybrid-electric aviation,” said Rob Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of H55.

About H55

H55 is a Swiss-based company specializing in certified electric propulsion and certification-grade energy storage systems for aviation. The company enables electric aviation to scale by transforming commercial lithium cells into aviation-safe Energy Storage Systems that regulators approve, insurers underwrite, and OEMs can deploy repeatedly as a certified propulsion platform across aircraft programs. This is achieved through independent cell characterization, rigorous incoming screening, redundant safety architectures, and regulator-aligned testing designed around worst-case failure scenarios.

Founded as the technological legacy of the Solar Impulse program, H55 builds on more than two decades of hands-on electric aviation experience. The company has designed, built, and flown multiple electric aircraft and has accumulated more than 2,000 hours of fully electric flight with zero battery-related incidents—providing the operational depth required to execute certification-grade programs, not merely comply with them.

H55 benefits from a strong and experienced leadership team that combines deep expertise in scaling technology companies with hands-on operational execution. Together, these capabilities support a reliable transition from certified design to repeatable series manufacturing. H55’s platform-based approach, in which certification evidence compounds across programs, reduces adoption risk while facilitating the capital-efficient deployment of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

About Smartflyer

Smartflyer is a Switzerland-based aviation company developing the SFX1, an innovative hybrid-electric aircraft designed for sustainable pilot training. By combining advanced electric propulsion with a range extender architecture, Smartflyer aims to significantly reduce emissions and operating costs while maintaining operational flexibility. The SFX1 program is currently progressing through its Proof of Concept phase, with a strong focus on certification-ready technologies and scalable solutions.

Contacts

H55 : 
Axelle Krummenacher – axelle.krummenacher@h55.ch – +41 79 464 2260

Smartflyer : 
Dominik Heiri – dominik.heiri@smartflyer.ch – +41 79 946 00 60          

H55 SA
Route de l’Aéroport 10 1950 Sion
Switzerland
www.h55.ch

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SOURCE H55