Moxy Vision Program Provides Free Eyewear to Local Children and Veterans

News Summary

In St. Petersburg, the Moxy Vision Program launched by Tara and Jeremy Camargo aims to provide free eyewear to children and veterans in need. Since its inception in March 2025, the program has already supplied around 100 pairs of glasses to local children. Plans for a mobile vision unit are underway to enhance outreach and further assist those unable to access necessary vision care. The Camargos draw motivation from personal experiences, aiming to serve the community effectively by addressing the barriers faced in obtaining eyewear.

St. Petersburg – A new nonprofit initiative in St. Petersburg, initiated by local business owners Tara and Jeremy Camargo, aims to provide free eyewear to children and veterans in need. The Moxy Vision Program officially launched in March 2025 and has already helped approximately 100 children in Pinellas County obtain necessary eyewear.

The Camargos, who have owned St. Petersburg Eye Care Specialists (SPECS) since 2015, identified a pressing need for accessible vision care in their community, particularly for those unable to afford glasses or lacking insurance coverage. The program emphasizes its target populations, focusing on both children and veterans, to alleviate barriers that restrict their access to essential vision services.

In an effort to further enhance their outreach, the Moxy Vision Program plans to implement a mobile vision unit by the end of July 2025. This unit will visit local schools, enabling on-site eye exams and the distribution of eyewear directly to students. The move addresses the transportation challenges that often hinder families from seeking necessary vision care, ensuring that young people can obtain the eye care they need without delay.

Impact and Inspiration

Since its inception, the Moxy Vision Program has successfully distributed nearly 100 pairs of glasses, illustrating the immediate impact it has had on local children. For many students, the ability to see clearly is crucial not just for daily life but also for success in educational settings and extracurricular activities, such as sports. The Camargos hope that through this initiative, children will feel more confident and supported in their education.

The motivation behind Moxy Vision stems from personal experiences faced by Jeremy Camargo, who draws inspiration from overcoming challenges, including his father’s death due to COVID-19 and his own battles with alcoholism. Now sober for four years, Jeremy aims to instill hope and resilience in others through the program. The term “Moxy” embodies the grit and determination that the Camargos wish to inspire in the community.

Addressing Broader Issues

Besides providing glasses to children, the program acknowledges a significant issue among local veterans who encounter difficulties accessing affordable vision care through the Veteran Affairs system. The Camargos are eager to collaborate with local VA services to ensure that veterans in need also receive support through the Moxy Vision initiative.

The nonprofit’s mission aligns with the couple’s commitment to community service and personalized assistance, ensuring they connect with individuals rather than merely offering services. The Camargos recognize that the challenge of accessing eyewear can create additional hurdles for both students and veterans, and they are dedicated to addressing these needs through their nonprofit efforts.

How to Support the Initiative

St. Petersburg Eye Care Specialists operates two locations in the community: 1900 1st Ave. N. and 1903 Tyrone Blvd. N. Residents wishing to contribute to the Moxy Vision Program can support the initiative through donations, which can be processed via the SPECS website and their PayPal donation link.

By focusing on providing essential eyewear, the Moxy Vision Program demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and veterans in St. Petersburg, reinforcing the importance of accessible healthcare solutions in the community. As the program plans to expand its reach in the coming months, it aims to continue advocating for those who face barriers to vision care.

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Additional Resources

• Hotel Dive: Marriott Expands Moxy in Florida
• Forbes: Something Happening in St. Pete, Florida
• St. Pete Catalyst: Inside the Moxy Hotel
• Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Google Search: Moxy Vision Program