From vision loss to visionary art: New initiative inspired by Florida Prize artist Kelly Joy Ladd’s powerful story of resilience and recovery
In celebration of the 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), OMA is proud to announce a new partnership with eSight by Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX) — an innovator in assistive technology for low vision — to make art more accessible to those with vision loss.
To expand accessibility, museum visitors with low vision will be able to check out an eSight Go wearable low-vision device free of charge and experience the exhibition during the museum’s summer Access for All days on June 19, July 17 and August 21.
eSight is a wearable assistive technology designed to help individuals with visual impairment maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Supporting people with more than 20 different eye conditions, eSight enables users with central vision loss to experience enhanced vision. eSight devices integrate high-definition cameras, custom-built algorithms and a powerful processing system to capture and enhance live video, displaying it on two high-resolution screens in front of the user’s eyes to create improved binocular vision.
The heart of this new accessibility initiative is inspired by Florida-based artist Kelly Joy Ladd, one of 10 featured artists in this year’s Florida Prize. In March 2020, Ladd suffered a traumatic brain injury that disrupted a vital connection between her eyes and brain, making everyday experiences like reading, working on a computer and watching TV impossible, and forcing her to explore new avenues in her art. In the early days of her recovery, Ladd attended OMA’s Florida Prize exhibition. Due to her inability to focus and distorted depth perceptions, she was unable to truly see the work on display and left the museum in tears. This year, in a powerful full-circle moment, Ladd returns to that very show — not as a visitor, but as one of the 10 featured artists.
“As an artist, being unable to experience art due to my vision impairment was heartbreaking,” said Ladd. “Being a part of Florida Prize and this initiative that brings art to people in similar situations is a huge honor.”
Ladd’s inclusion in this year’s Florida Prize exhibition, coupled with OMA’s mission of connecting people from all backgrounds with art, has paved the way for the partnership with eSight.
“Hearing Kelly Joy Ladd’s story, we saw a unique opportunity to make the Florida Prize experience more inclusive for visitors with vision impairments,” said Cathryn Mattson, CEO of OMA. “Partnering with eSight brings our mission to life by ensuring that everyone, regardless of vision ability, can fully experience the stories and creativity showcased in this exhibition.”
OMA and eSight will welcome members of the community to experience the transformative power of art through this new lens. Visitors will also have an opportunity to connect with Ladd during select Access for All events.
“Art has the power to move us, challenge us and connect us — and everyone deserves the chance to experience it fully,” said Roland Mattern, director of sales for eSight by Gentex Corporation. “eSight’s purpose has always been to expand access — for daily life, education, employment and now, the arts. Partnering with the Orlando Museum of Art brings that mission to life in a powerful way. Kelly Joy Ladd’s journey from visitor to featured artist is a testament to what’s possible when technology and accessibility come together to open new doors.”
This initiative marks an important step forward in expanding inclusive access to cultural institutions and shines a spotlight on the profound relationship between technology and human expression.
eSight Go is designed to enhance vision for people with central vision loss. It may not enhance vision for people with dementia, glaucoma, or other neurodegenerative diseases.
For more information on the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art or Access for All visitation days, please visit www.omart.org.
For more information on eSight’s innovative low-vision devices, please visit www.esighteyewear.com.
About the Orlando Museum of Art: Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art is a leading cultural institution in the Southeast, dedicated to stimulating creativity and intellectual curiosity by connecting people from all backgrounds and experiences with compelling art and new ideas.
About eSight by Gentex Corporation: eSight champions vision enhancement, offering cutting-edge assistive devices for individuals with vision loss. Catering to over 20 eye conditions, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, eSight combines innovation with the latest in assistive technology to provide the most advanced digital device for central vision loss. Clinically validated, registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Databank on Medical Devices (EUDAMED) as a Class 1 Medical Device, eSight is dedicated to helping people with vision loss see more possibilities. Discover more at www.esighteyewear.com.
About Gentex: Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (NASDAQ: GNTX) is a technology company that leverages its core competencies, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and ongoing research to create market-leading positions in a variety of verticals. You can view some of the Company’s latest technology at www.gentex.com.