What began as a small act of faith 25 years ago has grown into a global movement, delivering the gift of sight to more than 400,000 children in need. This week, EyeCare4Kids marked a major transition as its founder and longtime CEO, Joseph Carbone, stepped forward to focus on international development efforts, naming Maggie Cline as the organization’s new chief executive officer.
Carbone, a board-certified optician with five decades of experience, made the life-altering decision to walk away from a successful private practice to serve underserved families. He and his wife, Jan, mortgaged their home to launch the nonprofit, believing no child should be denied the ability to see clearly because of financial hardship.
“I did 25 years of for-profit work and did quite well,” Carbone said. “Now, I have 25 years of nonprofit (work). I have a core belief that everybody should take what they learned from life … and bless the life of somebody else.”
From that belief grew an organization that now operates 10 clinics in the U.S., six in Africa, and multiple mobile units reaching deeply into remote and vulnerable communities. The Midvale-based nonprofit celebrated its journey and new leadership this week at a community open house.
Incoming CEO Maggie Cline brings not just professional experience but also a deep personal connection to EyeCare4Kids’ mission. Raised by a single mother, Cline knows firsthand the barriers faced by families with limited means.
“We did not have a lot of things. I love this so much because I get to help the people who are living the way I used to live. It’s very personal,” she said. “I know what it is like to not have basic needs (met). … It speaks to the cycle of poverty. If you are not able to learn, you will be stuck. This helps people with vision, which is everything.”
Cline has played a pivotal role in expanding outreach in Utah and establishing new clinics, including a permanent facility in Ogden. Her focus now turns to scaling the organization’s model while maintaining its core commitment: providing top-tier eye care and glasses free or at minimal cost to those in need.
Carbone will now focus on expanding EyeCare4Kids’ African mission, working toward an ambitious goal of reaching one million children with vision services by 2030. He plans to build local infrastructure, partner with African governments, and ensure long-term sustainability.
“Over the past 20 years, I’ve seen how our work in Africa helps children to see better, do better in school, and set up opportunities to improve their quality of life,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to my next chapter when I can focus on building long-lasting relationships that extend the impact of EyeCare4Kids.”
As the nonprofit celebrates 25 years of impact and looks to the future, it remains rooted in a simple but powerful truth: clear vision can change a child’s life.
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