Organization Detail - Founders

James W. O’Neil, M.D.

As a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. O’Neil has over 10 years experience treating childhood vision disorders through medical, surgical, and optical methods. Dr. O’Neil is one of the most experienced surgeons in the world trained in laser surgery for Retinopathy of Prematurity (a blinding condition of premature infants). Due to a lack of skilled medical providers to screen and treat Retinopathy of Prematurity, Dr. O’Neil established the first Retinopathy of Prematurity telemedicine program in Arizona (the second such program in the nation) to provide remote eye examinations of premature infants via the Internet.

Having experienced firsthand the benefits computer and internet technology could bring to the treatment and diagnosis of children’s eye conditions, Dr. O’Neil envisioned how similar technology could cost-effectively solve the national dilemma of vision screening our nation’s schoolchildren for amblyopia and other vision disorders. The driving force behind The Amblyopia Foundation of America was born.

The future Drs. O'Neil. Jim with his twin brother, Ken (on right). Ken was diagnosed with amblyopia at age 5 and it was successfully treated with glasses and eye patching. Today, Ken relies oon sharp vision as a practicing radiologist.

Dr. O'Neil with his father, Dr. Lloyd O'Neil and eldest son, Adam (at 8 years old).

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Charles D. Tardibuono

Charlie is an accomplished software engineer and innovator. He has extensive experience developing simulation applications for both the public and private sector – including in the area of vision. Charlie joined The Amblyopia Foundation of America as a technologist with a growing fascination in the detection and treatment of vision disorders.

Charlie’s continued exploration in the area of vision is motivated, in part, by his son Ryan. Just turning three, Ryan has Down Syndrome. This condition increases the risk that Ryan will experience complications with his vision.

Charlie and his wife, Luann, are life-long philanthropists, establishing a non-profit corporation dedicated to research in the area of educational needs for special people like their son. Their awareness of the possibilities moves them to explore all means to provide Ryan, and children like him, every opportunity to lead a normal life.

The Amblyopia Foundation of America is congruent with Charlie’s on-going endeavor of providing service to children of all ages and needs.

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Richard S. Tirendi

Imagine this: a happy, five year old boy goes to sleep and dreams about all the things little boys dream – riding a bike, playing ball, going to the zoo. He awakens the next morning and screams in horror because he can not see. This nightmare actually happened to Rich Tirendi, one of the founders of The Amblyopia Foundation of America.

Rich’s vision loss was caused by a poisonous insect bite. Fortunately, his condition was treated and within two weeks his vision was restored…

… in time to see his new baby brother, Jason. However, Rich never forgot the overwhelming feelings of fear and sadness without his vision.

Today Rich is a successful electrical and computer engineer with numerous patents in his field. Beyond inventing technology, Rich enjoys an active lifestyle and is an avid photographer. With a wonderful wife and daughter, he is more thankful than ever for his gift of sight. A visionary at heart, Rich jumped in with both feet when James O’Neil, M.D., a renowned pediatric ophthalmologist, presented him with an opportunity to build an organization to address vision loss in children.