Project Vision Hawai`i was founded in 2007 by Dr. Michael Bennett, a local ophthalmologist who specializes in retinal surgery. With his oversight, the foundation for the program was developed by Hawai`i’s top experts in vision care. In 2011, Project Vision Hawai`i became a 501(c) 3. As a community driven organization, expansion of Project Vision Hawai`i has been guided by need. Since 2007, it has grown from one mobile screening unit to three mobile screening units serving Hawai`i Island, Kaua`i, Lāna`i, Maui, Molokai`i and O`ahu.
Project Vision Hawai`i has the only mobile health screening programs in Hawai`i that provide statewide services in communities with significant access-to-care challenges related to income, lack of insurance, geographical location, or cultural conflict. To date, Project Vision Hawai`i has provided free medical screening services to more than 115,000 patients across the state, including high populations of seniors, children from low-income families, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities. Their mission is to work in partnership with Hawai`i’s people to promote access to better health.