For the fourth year in a row, in a unique giving-back initiative, Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. underwrote the cost for two students with a vision impairment to attend the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS). Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this extraordinary camp was held from September 28th through October 2nd, 2025, at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, and was an educational adventure for the 142 visually impaired students who had the opportunity to attend.
Students at this camp got to be immersed in astronaut training techniques using equipment adapted from NASA’s actual astronaut program. They learned about space hardware, experienced space flight simulations such as a 1/6th Gravity Chair and a multi-axis trainer, assembled and launched rockets, conducted a spaceflight mission, and performed an underwater scuba build—all while learning about aerospace career opportunities. They also participated in daily contests like racing to climb a pamper pole, performing a search and rescue, and completing a high ropes course.
The Eschenbach’s student winners selected to win the trip this year were Jackson H. from Olympia, WA, who attended the Space Academy program, and Jayden V. from the Bronx, NY, who participated in the Advanced Space Academy program, both of whom successfully completed their space missions. The two scholarship winners not only had their tuition and flights paid in full, but they also received a care package that included an Eschenbach Smartlux® Digital portable video magnifier that they could use to enlarge images and copy, making reading and writing more comfortable.
Upon completion of the camp, one of the scholarship winners had this to say about his incredible experience,
“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, to experience one of yet the best moments of my life. If I was in doubt or discouraged to ever have a career at NASA because of my disability; all that has pushed away. NASA better be ready for the first albino in space!” – Jayden V.
Learn more about their experience at the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students at https://eschenbach.com/about-us/giving-back.asp.
About Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc.
Eschenbach is a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of high quality magnification and vision-enhancing products that improve the safety, productivity, independence, and quality of life of its customers. The company also offers eyecare and vision rehab professionals numerous diagnostic assortment options as well as training and consultative support, all of which ensure success for their users who need magnification solutions. For more information, please contact Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. at (800) 487-5389 / info@eschenbach.com or visit www.eschenbach.com.
