Matt Leinart

Children's Eye Foundation spokesperson and former strabismus surgery patient, quarterback Matt Leinart was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after a record setting career at the University of Southern California that earned him the 2004 Heisman Trophy and two national championships.

"Our son, Matt, was diagnosed with strabismus at the age of 10 months. We were devastated and unfamiliar with this eye problem. We spent many hours doing research trying to gather as much information as possible to enable us to help him with the journey that lay ahead. It was important for us to get the best medical care we could for Matt, and then it was our responsibility to make sure we followed through with the doctor's instructions. At 18 months he was fitted for his first pair of glasses and would continue to wear them until he was 13 years old. Matt also has had two surgeries to correct his strabismus, one at the age of three and the second at 13 years old. It wasn't always easy for us to convince him about the importance of wearing his glasses; a little creative bribing was used, whether it was a trip to the toy store or a favorite Happy Meal®. Whatever it took, we did, because we wanted to give Matt every opportunity to be self confident and successful. Since his last surgery he has been glasses-free and has required no more surgeries. He continues to see his ophthalmologist yearly, and we are ever so happy to report that his vision is perfect."
-Bob and Linda Leinart

"I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the spokesperson for the Children's Eye Foundation in their launching of the initiative, See by Three. At the age of 18 months I was wearing glasses and, at the age of three, I had my first [eye muscle] surgery, so I am a perfect example of how important early detection is for children. I believe that the success I have had would not have been possible without the great medical attention I have received." -Matt Leinart
Statement for 2006 AAPOS Meeting
Keystone, Colorado