49ers Player Arik Armstead and Zenni’s Educational Impact

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In the dynamic world of professional sports, athletes often use their platform to instigate positive change within their communities. Arik Armstead, the standout defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers and a proud Bay Area native, is a prime example of this commitment. Zenni Optical, the official eyewear sponsor for the San Francisco 49ers, proudly associates with Armstead and actively supports his remarkable efforts to raise education awareness in his hometown. The collaboration includes providing free vision screening and glasses for children, recognizing the pivotal role clear vision plays in supporting their education.

The Armstead Academic Project

In 2019, Arik Armstead launched the “Armstead Academic Project,” dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to quality education. Zenni Optical wholeheartedly supports Armstead’s mission, aligning its commitment to providing affordable vision and eyewear solutions with the project’s goals. During a notable event in May 2022 at Leataata Floyd Elementary School in Sacramento, Armstead actively engaged with students, providing glasses sponsored by Zenni. This gesture symbolized the shared commitment to empower students in overcoming fundamental obstacles. Zenni team volunteers also actively joined the initiative, underscoring their dedication to giving back to the community and exemplifying the company’s ethos of community engagement and support for educational initiatives.

When I sat down and thought about how I could have the biggest impact in Sacramento, the No. 1 glaring theme in terms of when you look at equality in our society, the achievement gap and financial gap between socioeconomic classes, education was glaring for me to address some of those issues. -Arik Armstead

Zenni’s Dedication to “See Better, Live Better”

Recognizing the critical impact of vision issues on a child’s education and learning, Zenni remains committed to ensuring clear vision for every child. Uncorrected vision problems can pose challenges in reading, writing, and overall academic performance, hindering educational development. To address this, Zenni actively gives back through vision screenings and providing free glasses to children in need. Last summer, we partnered with NC4K for their annual Back to School Bash at the Lower.com Field, Columbus Crew Stadium. This heartwarming event, part of NC4K’s initiatives supporting families dealing with pediatric cancer, eases the financial and emotional burdens during the back-to-school season. Zenni has also collaborated with other organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and The DeYoung Museum to extend our commitment to clear vision and community support.

Explore more about our collaboration with NC4K on our blog: Clear Vision and Support to NC4K’s Back to School Bash

Arik Armstead’s commitment to community upliftment through the “Armstead Academic Project” is powerfully supported by Zenni Optical, the official eyewear sponsor for the San Francisco 49ers. Notable events, like Armstead’s engaging visit to Leataata Floyd Elementary School, symbolize their shared dedication to empowering students and overcoming educational barriers. Zenni’s broader commitment, encapsulated in “See Better, Live Better,” extends to providing free vision screenings and glasses for children in need through partnerships with organizations like NC4K, the Boys and Girls Club, and The DeYoung Museum. Together, Arik Armstead and Zenni Optical create a narrative of positive change, clear vision, and unwavering support for a brighter, more inclusive future in the communities they serve.

References: NBC10 Philadelphia, Prevent Blindness

About the Author: Dr. Sophia Moh, OD, ABOC

Dr. Sophia Moh, OD, is an optometrist based in the Bay Area, California. She holds a doctorate from UC Berkeley School of Optometry and has worked in various eye care settings, including primary care optometry, general ophthalmology, community health clinics, and Veterans Affairs. Dr. Moh is dedicated to improving global vision health by making high-quality, affordable eyewear accessible to all. She is also a certified American Board Optician (ABO) and actively contributes to optical education through training and lectures.