Each year, our screening and training programs reach thousands of 
North Carolinians—from developing preschoolers to older adults in later life. We regularly collect success stories from those we’ve served to showcase how improved vision can enhance daily life. Annually, we also partner with one individual whose experience with our program has been especially impactful, sharing his or her story to inspire others to prioritize their eye health. We’re thrilled to introduce this year’s Ambassador Team—Ashley and Gavin! This inspiring mother-son duo will bring incredible energy and passion to our mission of preserving sight.
Ashley brings a unique and personal perspective to the world of vision care, both as a school nurse and as someone living with visual impairment. Her son, Gavin, also recently experienced a sudden loss of vision, giving their family firsthand insight into the challenges of vision issues. Their powerful journey and shared commitment to raising awareness make them outstanding ambassadors for 2025–2026.
We are excited to present their story to you, as shared by Ashley.
“My vision issues started when I was 21. I was putting on makeup and noticed when I closed one eye the other was really blurry. I scheduled an appointment with an eye doctor and that is when I was diagnosed with Keratoconus. At the time, the doctor told me I could get hard contact lenses or do nothing because it wasn’t too bad. So I did nothing. However, over the next few years my vision got worse. It was not until 4 years later that I finally got my first lenses to wear to improve my vision. I remember crying because I had dealt with bad vision for years (thinking it wasn’t necessary to do anything) that when I could finally see again, I realized just how bad it was. My Keratoconus rapidly progressed into my 30’s but has since slowed down. I wear scleral lenses which have significantly improved my vision, but it will never be 100% corrected. If there comes a time when lenses no longer correct my vision, corneal transplant may be an option. I have learned through my experience with vision issues that it is hard for others to understand a disability they cannot see. I often have to educate those around me what Keratoconus is (a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision) and why when I say I can’t see something, I really can’t see. Luckily, most people are curious and understanding.
My son Gavin is a kindergarten student where I work as the school nurse. We routinely screen students in 
1st, 3rd, and 5th grade so Gavin would not have been screened this year, unless any issues were identified. Gavin would ask me to screen his vision for fun after school. Because of this, I knew that his vision had been perfect! 20/20 in both eyes. That all changed for him when he came down with the flu and experienced sudden loss of vision in both eyes. His official diagnosis was an incredibly rare post-viral retinitis in both eyes. After diagnosis, he was on a high dose of steroids for 5 weeks and he had several follow-ups with the retina specialist to monitor his response. With this diagnosis being incredibly rare, there was not much in the literature to provide a clear plan of treatment and prognosis. Each appointment his visual acuity improved. As he tapered off the steroids there was a risk that his vision would regress. It has been almost 2 months since his last appointment, and he has not experienced any regression. His visual acuity has improved to 20/25 in both eyes! Through this whole situation Gavin has shown incredible strength. He did not allow his change in vision to slow him down!
As a parent that just so happens to be his school nurse, I was armed with the information that I knew for sure this was a new problem due to his previous screening results. It is clear to me the vital role school nurses play in obtaining timely screenings for students and how this information can be used in critical diagnoses. This is my first year as a school nurse and I completed the PBNC vision screener training. I am beyond thankful I can advocate for my son due to the training I received.”
We are honored to team up with Ashley and Gavin to increase awareness and highlight the importance of eye health at every stage of life. Be on the lookout for much more to come about their journey as our new PBNC Ambassador Team!
