At The Safety Source, we believe protecting people starts with understanding what's at stake. That's why we're honored to support Eye on July, a nonprofit founded not by industry professionals, but by two kids who saw firsthand how devastating eye injuries can be—and decided to do something about it.

The organization was inspired by the personal experiences of Rishi and Reeya Chundury, whose father, Dr. Rao Chundury, is an oculoplastic surgeon specializing in eye trauma. Every year, their dad is called away on the 4th of July to treat serious, often preventable, eye injuries caused by fireworks. For their family, the holiday became less about celebration and more about worry.

That reality sparked a powerful idea: What if they could prevent some of these injuries before they ever happened?

Together with their family, they founded Eye on July, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about eye safety and distributing free protective eyewear to the public. Their leadership includes a dedicated Board of Directors—Dr. Rao Chundury, Saroja Chundury, and Deen Chundury—who help guide the mission and expand its impact each year.

And that impact is growing fast. In just 2024 alone, Eye on July donated over 5,000 pairs of safety glasses, helping communities across Nebraska stay protected during firework season—and beyond.

Fireworks may be a beloved holiday tradition, but they also pose serious safety risks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023 alone—and nearly 19% of those injuries affected the eyes.

Let that sink in: More than 1 in 10 firework injuries involve the eyes, many of them resulting in permanent vision loss or blindness.

• Sparklers burn at temperatures around 2,000°F—hot enough to melt metal—and are responsible for a high percentage of injuries in young children.

• Bottle rockets and Roman candles can cause blunt-force trauma or chemical burns to the eyes if misfired or misused.

• Eye injuries can happen to anyone—even bystanders—making protective eyewear essential.

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Despite these dangers, eye protection is often overlooked during holiday celebrations. That’s where Eye on July steps in.