NFL Alumni Health | July 2025 | Healthy Vision Awareness
Theme: Technology, Trends, and Innovation in Eye Care
Vision Is More Than Sight—It’s Strategy
Vision has always been a split-second advantage on the field—tracking defenders, reading the play, catching the ball in stride. But after the final snap, eye health takes on a deeper meaning. For retired NFL players, protecting vision isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s about staying sharp, independent, and ready for life’s next chapter.
The numbers are sobering: 43 million people worldwide live with blindness, and nearly 300 million face moderate to severe vision impairment. For former NFL players—many of whom endured years of collisions, concussions, and neurological stress—the risks are even greater. But emerging technologies are changing that outlook.
From the Field to the Future: Leadership That Sees What’s Next
NFL Alumni Health is leading the way in how vision and neurological health intersect after football. This mission was underscored by NFL Alumni CEO Brad Edwards, keynote speaker at the 2025 VR in Sports Medicine and Exercise Symposium, where he emphasized innovation, rehabilitation, and long-term wellness.
“We owe it to our alumni not just to extend their playing days—but to expand their quality of life after,” Edwards said. “Vision care isn’t just about eyesight. It’s a window into brain health, balance, cognition, and independence.”
This belief fuels NFL Alumni Health’s efforts—championing tools and therapies that help former athletes preserve their potential long after they leave the field.
Game-Changing Technologies for Retired Athletes
Emerging tools are giving former players new control over their vision and brain health.
1. AI-Enhanced Eye Exams
AI is transforming routine eye exams into powerful early-detection tools for both ocular and neurological disease.
How It Works:
AI platforms (e.g., Microsoft’s Project InnerEye, Topcon Harmony) analyze retinal images to spot microscopic changes—often before symptoms arise.
What It Detects:
- Glaucoma (before vision loss)
- Diabetic retinopathy (even in early stages)
- Macular degeneration
- Neurological changes linked to TBI, CTE, Alzheimer’s
Why It Matters for NFL Alumni:
For players with concussion history or chronic illness, AI offers non-invasive, early alerts—plus remote monitoring for those far from specialists.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) Wearables & Smart Glasses
AR devices are restoring functionality for Alumni with moderate to severe vision loss.
How It Works:
Smart glasses like eSight, NuEyes Pro, and Envision Glasses use high-res cameras and internal displays to magnify and clarify visual input in real time.
What They Help With:
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic eye disease
- Post-concussion visual fog
- Retinal trauma
Key Features:
- Live zoom for text and faces
- Voice navigation
- Text-to-speech
- Hands-free use at home or on the go
Why It Matters:
These tools reconnect players with daily life—from reading menus to watching grandkids play. These aren’t science fiction—they’re restoring function today for veterans, stroke survivors, and athletes.
3. Eye-Tracking & Brain-Linked Vision Monitoring
Your eyes can reveal what your brain may not yet say—like slowed processing or attention disruption.
How It Works:
Devices like RightEye, Oculogica’s EyeBOX, and neuro-optometric tools track eye movements and pupil responses during visual tasks.
What They Reveal:
- Delayed processing speed
- Disrupted scanning or tracking
- Early signs of cognitive decline
- Visual effects of concussion
Why It Matters for NFL Alumni:
With higher risk for neurological issues, retired players benefit from these non-invasive, 10-minute screenings—enabling early intervention, personalized rehab, and long-term cognitive care.
What’s happening in your brain often appears first in your eyes. The right tools make it visible.
Final Snap: Your Next Move
Vision is more than eyesight it’s a window into your brain, your health, and your independence.
What you do today can preserve what matters most tomorrow—mobility, memory, and moments with your family. Schedule your annual eye exam to protect your vision and protect your future!
NFL Alumni-Specific Vision Care Resources
| Program | Eligibility & Benefits | Contact Info |
| PFRPA Vision Plan (VSP) | Free eye exams & eyewear for Legends retired before July 2013 and their spouses | 📞 (855) 497-6675 PFRPA Vision-Plan |
| National Eye Institute Clinics | Free or low-cost exams for low-income or uninsured patients | NEI Healthy Vision |
| VSP Eyes of Hope | Mobile and partner clinics offering vision exams and glasses | VSP Eye of Hope |
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. NFL Alumni does not endorse or profit from the products or services mentioned unless otherwise noted. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized care.
