Motherhood comes with challenges. But for one woman who is legally blind, becoming a new mom brought an entirely different layer of complexity – until the support of a PECAA premier vendor partner and a visionary nonprofit changed everything.
Maggie Noonan, stepdaughter of PECAA Executive Vice President of Membership Sara Campbell, began her vision journey in March 2021, when she noticed something was off with her sight. After a visit to an optometrist, she was told the issue was likely cataracts. A visit to another OD in July 2021 prompted an emergency referral to the ER for papilledema, ruling out multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor. Over the next six months, her symptoms persisted and worsened, still undiagnosed, through visits to multiple physicians and ophthalmologists. In early 2022, during a visit to a neuro-ophthalmologist, the answer was determined. Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) – a genetic disorder that leads to sudden, severe vision loss.
While there is no cure for LHON, Noonan undergoes occupational therapy, and with the help of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses customized with 3D-printed adapters and accessibility tools, she gained the freedom to navigate her world with greater confidence and the ability to care for her child more independently.
Thanks to the generosity and creativity of EssilorLuxottica and the ingenuity of Second Sense, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on supporting the blind and visually impaired, this mother’s world has expanded.
“With my vision loss, even simple things like dressing my baby, measuring her bottle, or even just sorting her clothes are a challenge,” said Noonan. “Now, with the help of my Meta Glasses, it’s as if I have a personal assistant right there with me, helping guide me through these tasks and so many more. It’s been life changing not just for me, but for my family.”
With technology tailored to her needs and support, Noonan is now empowered to do everyday things that many take for granted – from feeding and caring for her baby to moving through the world more freely.
“Maggie has had so much support though her vision loss journey – from her amazing husband, Sean, to her Occupational Therapist, Cody, as well as close family and friends,” said Campbell. “Now that circle has expanded to include Michael Fitch from EssilorLuxottica who donated not only Meta Glasses but, in turn, provided additional confidence to help her tackle the challenges of being a new mother.”
Josh Mesirow, PECAA Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, explains that this is exactly the kind of story that reflects what PECAA values most in our vendor partnerships. “We seek vendors who lead with heart and innovation – and who are willing to go beyond to make a difference.”
While the tools may be high-tech, the outcome is profoundly human: a mother who can be fully present, confident and capable in her new role.
This story is more than a feel-good moment. It’s a testament to what’s possible when vendors, eye care professionals and eye care organizations work together—and when the mission of protecting and promoting vision expands to include supporting lives in meaningful, practical ways.
PECAA was built to support independent practices – but stories like this remind us that our work touches real lives. Through trusted vendor partnerships and exclusive member benefits, we help doctors care for their patients, their teams and their communities. Because to us, it’s always been about more than just eye care – it’s about seeing people.
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