When it comes to innovation, sometimes inspiration strikes from the most personal experiences. Meet Laura Jennings, a mother from a small town in Ohio, who transformed her daughter’s struggle into a mission to help countless others. Laura’s daughter, Sophie, was just 18 months old when she was diagnosed with a need for glasses. Laura quickly discovered that the standard eyewear options available on the market just didn’t work for Sophie, who has Down syndrome.
Conventional frames often didn’t accommodate the unique facial features associated with the condition, such as lower nasal bridges and broader temples. “Regular glasses would constantly slide down her nose and simply didn’t fit her well,” Laura shared. “Sophie was resistant to wearing them altogether.”
With nearly 25 years of experience in the optical industry—including roles in frame design and lens dispensing—Laura was determined to find a solution. Yet, despite her extensive background and industry contacts, she couldn’t locate a pair of glasses that could be easily modified to suit Sophie’s needs. “It was incredibly frustrating because I knew I wasn’t alone in this struggle,” she reflected.
Through conversations with other parents, Laura recognized a significant demand for glasses that catered to children with Down syndrome. However, as a single mom juggling four children, including two toddlers, Laura faced challenges in sourcing a manufacturer willing to bring her designs to life.
In 2010, circumstances took a turn when Sophie fell ill due to complications from an ear infection. This incident led Laura to lose her job and eventually decide to work from home to care for her daughter. It was then that she realized it was time to launch her own business.
After much effort, Laura found a manufacturer in South Korea willing to produce her custom designs. With the help of a friend who lent her the funds for the initial prototypes, she got to work.
Fast forward several years, and Laura now operates a successful company called KidsVision, which stands for “Kids’ Visionary Eyewear.” The brand offers over a dozen styles of glasses, catering to children and young adults alike, and has sold eyewear in over 30 countries. Laura was even honored with a prestigious innovation award that came with funding to help expand her business.
Sophie not only travels with Laura to conferences but also models the glasses in promotional materials. In fact, she has a special line of frames named after her. “She truly enjoys wearing her glasses,” Laura noted. “They’re the first thing she puts on in the morning and the last thing she takes off at night.”
Beyond providing for her daughter, Laura finds immense fulfillment from the positive feedback she receives from families around the globe. “Every morning, I wake up excited to see messages from parents sharing how our glasses have improved their children’s lives. It’s the most rewarding job I could ever have,” she said.
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In summary, Laura Jennings’ journey from frustrated mother to successful entrepreneur showcases the power of determination and innovation in addressing the specific needs of children with Down syndrome. Her story is an inspiring reminder that personal challenges can lead to meaningful solutions for many.