“See” What It’s Like: A Day of Discovery at John Thomas Dye School

First grader at John Thomas Dye School trying out a light box

Los Angeles, California – On April 9, 2025, the meeting hall at John Thomas Dye School was filled with curiosity and compassion as first graders took part in Partners for Pediatric Vision’s 18th Annual Low Vision Awareness Experience. This interactive, hands-on day is part of the school’s disability awareness curriculum, and it gives young students the chance to step into someone else’s shoes—specifically, the shoes of children with visual impairment.

To truly see the world differently, each student was given a special pair of wraparound simulation masks. These weren’t just for show—each mask mimicked a different type of visual impairment: some blurred the center vision, others blocked the sides, a few distorted vision to just a central spot, and some even gave a foggy, unfocused view. As students rotated through six activity stations, they wore their masks to understand how vision loss affects everyday tasks—and more importantly, how people adapt and thrive.

But that’s not all. Each student was given a PPV Passport, stamped at every station they visited. By the end of the experience, they were not just explorers of new perspectives—they were vision awareness ambassadors!

The Six “Eye-Opening” Stations

On the Move Station – Here, students learned how to use a white mobility cane. Led by PPV Executive Director Dr. Diane Christian and therapist Janice Goldhaber, kids practiced sweeping the cane side-to-side to detect changes in surfaces and navigate the world safely.

Be My Guide, Guide Dog Station – Students met Pam and her ten-year-old guide dog, Franklin. Alongside PPV’s Lead Child & Family Specialist Rosanna, they learned how guide dogs help with navigation, daily routines, and independence.

Cool Tools Station – At this station, Bilingual Child & Family Specialist Mackenzie introduced students to real low vision devices like handheld magnifiers, a monocular telescope, a slant board, and light boxes. Trying these tools while wearing their simulation masks helped them understand how these assistive devices make reading and learning possible.

Eye-Mazing Low Vision Exams Station – Dr. Gary Asano, a long-time PPV volunteer and Low Vision Optometrist, walked the students through what happens during a pediatric low vision exam and explained some of the different vision diagnoses that our children experience.

Braille Abilities Station – Child & Family Vision Specialist Heather brought the world of Braille to life. Children learned the Braille alphabet and decoded secret messages using tactile letters.

Giving Hearts Station – Volunteers Jane and Barry Gerber led this craft activity where students stuffed red soft felt hearts and wrote sweet messages. These handcrafted gifts will be given to PPV children during eye exams or in care packages—a perfect way for students to spread kindness and connection.

More Than Just a Lesson—A Lasting Impact

Thanks to the generosity of the John Thomas Dye School, $1,500 was donated to the school’s special fund with Partners for Pediatric Vision. This ongoing support helps provide glasses, low vision devices, and services to families who otherwise could not afford them. Every dollar keeps kids in sight.

Left to right: PPV's Evelin, Janice, Rosanna, Tori, Volunteer Pam and her guide dog, Franklin, PPV's Heather, Rosanna, Belinda, Diane, and Dr. Gary Asano, O.D.

We are so grateful to the John Thomas Dye School community for continuing this tradition of inclusion, empathy, and education. If you’d like to support this amazing work, please consider making a donation at: www.partnersforpediatricvision.org/donate

Together, we’re opening eyes, expanding hearts, and keeping kids in sight.