The Minnesota Eye Foundation (MEF) a non-profit organization created in 2005 by a group of dedicated ophthalmologists.

The organization was formed in an effort to enrich the quality of life of our community members through charitable outreach and continuing education in the field of vision care. We directly support the delivery of eye care services to those in need and educational opportunities for Optometrists.

MEF relies entirely on volunteer support and our generous donors and event sponsors to continue our work.

MEF's priority programs include:

• The Vision Project which is our annual two-day surgery days whereby volunteer surgeons and medical teams provide cataract and glaucoma surgeries to uninsured individuals from our community who qualify for MEF's life changing program. Qualified, approved patients receive a medical evaluation with an ophthalmologist, pre-op physical , surgery, post-operative visits related to the procedure up to six months following surgery, as well as, post-operative eye drops necessary for the immediate healing period.
• Perspectives in Eye Care which is our annual full-day, continuing education program offered for optometrists throughout the state of MN and western Wisconsin. Perspectives features local doctors and medical professionals who are leading the way in proactive, respective care. MEF's interactive forum addresses the most timely topics in vision care today.
• Strides 4 Sight, our past annual 5K Walk/Run, Kids Fun and Silent Auction fundraiser
• and in 2026, VisionFest MN, a community concert celebration with local bands, generating funds to bring the gift of sight to those in need.