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03/23/2016 08:30 AMIn 1991, Dr. Susan Danberg and the American Optometric Association Sports Vision Section took part in the pilot program of issuing eye health screening to the athletes competing in the Special Olympics Summer World Games in Minnesota. The program, which is largely sponsored by the Lions Club and called the Special Olympics-Lions Club International Opening Eyes Program, was so successful that it has grown greatly over the years.
The program went from participating in the games every four years to now participating in about 150 events annually. In addition to the Lions Club, which donates about $1 million per year, there are global partners that donate products. Throughout the past 25 years, Susan has been heavily involved in the program.
“Going to Minneapolis was such a moving, life-changing experience that I knew had to remain involved,” says Susan. “When world games came to Connecticut in 1995, I became the local coordinator to get doctors, materials, frames, lenses, and sports goggles for the athletes. We gave athletes a complete vision assessment, glasses, sunglasses, and protective eyewear.”
Susan noted that before volunteering with the Special Olympics, she had not worked with people with disabilities so she wasn’t sure what to expect.
“I was so taken with the athletes and their joie de vivre,” says Susan. “They really love what they do and are so committed to their sports. My first exposure really proved to me that they have something to offer to us rather than vice versa and we have an obligation to find out what that is. I am constantly amazed by the athletes I meet.”
While much of Susan’s volunteer work is organizing the eye screenings and securing eyewear and more from various global sponsors, her favorite part of volunteering is meeting with the athletes. As she volunteers at so many events, she has gotten to see many athletes grow over the years.
“I love talking with them about their goals and aspirations and seeing them achieve them over the years,” says Susan. “I get to see how they develop into citizens. The best part of my year is the times I’m face to face with athletes. I always make time for Special Olympics because it’s the most energizing thing I do. It grounds me and shows me this is why I’m doing that other work.”
Susan was so moved by the experience that she chose to focus her practice on behavioral optometry. Her practice, which she opened in 1988 in Glastonbury, puts an emphasis on working with children with learning disabilities and visibility related learning issues, as well as people whose vision was affected by trauma or a stroke.
“When I was working on my undergraduate degree, I was working at the College of Optometry and was exposed to the behavioral optometry clinic and found it interesting,” says Susan. “I was always interested in that general field, but my involvement with the Special Olympics really focused my practice on that.”
In addition to running her practice, Susan is a competitive ballroom dancer and practices with her partner three times a week. The pair travels the country to attend competitions. She has also had the opportunity to travel through her work with the Special Olympics.
Through her volunteer work, Susan has visited many places in the United States and the world, often traveling with her husband. Some of her favorite destinations include Japan, China, Philippines, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Ecuador, Alaska, Canada, England, Ireland, Greece, Korea, and Turkey.
“He’s my No. 1 volunteer and he gets geared up for events, too,” says Susan. “Sometimes we are just there to work, but other times we are able to visit, too. Traveling to other countries has helped me gain a greater insight on what the challenges are and get a better sense of how healthcare is in different countries. Some areas are better than what we can provide and some are not. My ability to travel and meet doctors and train them is very exciting for me.”
On March 23, she received the Susan Saint James Award, which is presented to an individual whose leadership skills have brought about positive changes to the organization.
“I was very honored and surprised,” says Susan. “I don’t volunteer to get awards, but it is certainly an honor to be recognized in that way.”