CARLSBAD -- After learning that insurance for active-duty military members covers vision exams but not eyewear for dependent family members, Carlsbad optometrist John Fitzpatrick came up with a way to lighten the load.

In 2004, he created Operation Clear Vision, through which approximately 1,300 dependents of military members have qualified to get free eyewear.

Fitzpatrick said he was inspired to create the organization after watching a TV news report about how military families were struggling financially.

Although he never served in the military, he said he felt an obligation to help the families, especially because his father was in the Army during World War II.

"For someone who is working hard to pay room and board, eyeglasses can be really expensive," he said, adding that the news report "made me mad, and it awakened me to action."

Operation Clear Vision provides basic eyewear for families by securing donations.

"This program is based on small contributions by private individuals and small organizations," he said.

Fitzgerald aims to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 annually, which could benefit up to 500 people.

Considering that goal, he said, "no contribution would be too little."

The organization recently teamed with the California Optometric Association, which now does the screening to select families who qualify, as well as an eyewear dispensary within the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, which oversees distribution.

Military dependents can fill out an application online at http://www.coavision.org/about/operation_clearvision.cfm. Accepted applicants receive a voucher to take to the dispensary for free eyewear.

In recognition of his efforts, Fitzpatrick was recently given the 2007 Humanitarian Award from his alma mater, the Illinois College of Optometry.

Fitzpatrick, who earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, has also received the honors of serving as president of the Michigan Optometric Association in 1983 and being named Optometrist of the Year by his Michigan peers in 1986.

While he appreciates the recognition, he said, his focus is his patients.

"When you see patients day to day, your first thought is to bring a solution to their problems," he said.

However, he said, his other passion is helping military families, which he also does by serving on the Armed Services Committee of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.

Jack Wood of Fallbrook said he has been impressed with what Fitzpatrick's "brainchild," Operation Clear Vision, has accomplished so far.

Wood is the treasurer of the Fallbrook Smiles Project, which helped establish Operation Clear Vision as a nonprofit by "rolling it" into the Project.

Wood said he has come to know Fitzpatrick as an "extremely caring and compassionate individual" who is motivated by a greater cause.