Thousands of Reading Glasses Donated to St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center by the Keene Foundation

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center (Roslyn, NY) is the proud recipient of 3,000 pairs of reading glasses, thanks to the generosity of the Keene Reading Glasses Program, a New York City based philanthropic organization founded by Allan and Margaret Keene. The Keene family first started donating reading glasses to St. Francis Hospital in 2020, and have since donated more than12,500 pairs of glasses throughout the Catholic Health system—to St. Francis Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and Mercy Hospital. 

“A few years ago, as a hospital volunteer, I realized the need for eyeglasses in hospitals,” said Allan Keene, Founder of the Keene Reading Glasses Program. “As I circulated the library cart, I encountered many patients who did not have their reading glasses, as many are admitted to the hospital quite suddenly. It brings my family great joy and gratitude to be able to help patients through the gift of sight during their time in hospital.”

“These glasses will be distributed to hospital patients who may have left their glasses at home as they sought medical care,” said Sam Chwe, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of St. Francis Hospital. “Patients need the glasses to better navigate their inpatient care journey. This generous gift lifts the patient’s spirit as well as their mental engagement in managing their healthcare needs.”

Dr. Charles Lucore, President, St. Francis Hospital, added his own thoughts, saying, “Our mission of providing patients with the most advanced levels of care is always combined with a deep commitment to compassion. Our approach aligns so well with Allan and Margaret Keene’s commitment to helping the community, and we are tremendously grateful to the Keene family for this generous gift.”

St. Francis Hospital, Catholic Health, and the Keene family all look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.