Closing the Gap: How Evocati PR Engineered the First National Survey on Veteran Digital Eye Strain
From initial research design to a nationwide distribution blitz, Evocati PR provides end-to-end strategic execution to help PDS Optical uncover the evolving vision habits of America’s heroes
Introduction
While extensive public health research exists on how daily digital screen time affects the eyesight of children, students, and younger digital natives, a critical data gap remains: virtually no dedicated research specifically studies the impact of digital screens on America's veteran population.
PDS Optical, a service-disabled, Veteran-owned small business that manages approximately 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) prescription eyewear market nationwide, recognized this glaring omission.
Evocati PR (EPR) is helping PDS Optical close this research gap, spearheading change, and pioneering a new era of veteran-centric advocacy.
On July 13, 2026, PDS Optical officially launched the Pulse on Digital Strain Survey. This groundbreaking initiative serves as a masterclass in purpose-driven public relations, demonstrating how an agency can deliver end-to-end strategic services—encompassing initial research design, project management, data analysis, custom report branding, and a comprehensive media campaign.
READ MORE: PDS Optical Launches National Survey to Discover the Impact of Digital Screens on Veterans' Vision
Designing with Intent: Crafting a frictionless, Mobile-First Survey
High-contributing leadership requires a relentless focus on the end-user. During the initial research planning phases, Evocati PR President & Founder Barrett Y. Bogue established a clear "Commander's Intent" for the project: the instrument must be a swift, mobile-first "skinny" pulse survey designed to be completed in under five minutes.
To achieve maximum scientific rigor, Evocati PR contracted independent data science and survey design specialist Dr. Chris Cate of Analytiq Impact. The team intentionally eliminated open-ended questions to streamline the user experience on smartphones, minimizing friction and optimizing for high response rates.
Their rigorous analytical framework ensures that the resulting report will deliver highly credible data to policymakers and the optical industry.
End-to-End Execution: The Evocati PR Difference
A common pitfall for mission-driven organizations is separating their communications team from the foundational stages of a project. At EPR, we advocate that a strategic communications firm must have a seat at the table from day one. Involving a public relations partner from the outset ensures that messaging scales seamlessly and resonates deeply with your stakeholders.
READ MORE: Maximize Your Cause-Marketing Impact: Involve PR from the Start — Evocati PR
For the Pulse on Digital Strain project, Evocati PR is executing every facet of the lifecycle:
Survey Design and Deployment: EPR collaborated with Analytiq Impact to program and stage the survey in a secure http environment. This framework keeps data locked and password-protected to safeguard veteran privacy.
Project Management: Account Supervisor Tory Hyde managed inter-agency operations, tracking deadlines and maintaining constant strategic alignment with the client.
A Strategic Response Campaign: Our team will execute a multi-pronged campaign designed to comfortably exceed the response target and gain a diverse data set.
Analysis and Reporting: Once data collection concludes, the data will undergo descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. These insights will populate a beautifully designed, custom-branded white paper.
Results-Oriented PR Campaign: Once finalized, EPR will engage in an aggressive PR campaign announcing the survey results to shape the conversation around veteran eyewear and eyecare.
The Two-Pronged Response Drive: Mobilizing the Military-Connected Ecosystem
Members from PDS Optical pose for a photo with Congressman Morgan McGarvey (second from right) during his site tour of their headquarters and manufacturing lab in Louisville, Ky. (Source: PDS Optical)
Reaching the trillion-dollar military-connected community demands an authentic, culturally savvy approach. To identify and engage this distinct audience effectively, we built a hyper-targeted, two-phased outreach framework.
For a deeper dive on how your business can do the same, read our guide on How to Determine Your Target Audience for Maximum Impact.
Phase 1: Earned and Owned Media Amplification
The campaign kicked off by leveraging PDS Optical’s internal channels and employee personal networks to build grassroots awareness. Concurrently, EPR launched a media relations drive targeting top-tier military trade and news publications.
Phase 2: Stakeholder & Partner Blitz
To maximize reach and establish institutional trust, EPR activated its deep relationships with prominent partners and stakeholders in the military-connected community. EPR provided partners with a turnkey stakeholder toolkit, removing friction by including pre-written newsletter copy and sample social media graphics.
In exchange for their invaluable support, EPR has promised each partner an embargoed copy of the comprehensive findings and acknowledgment in the final published research white paper.
Make Your Voice Count: A Call to Action for America's Veterans
"Our Veterans served this nation. Now, their unique experiences can help shape the future of specialized eye care in today’s increasingly digital world." - Sean Loosen, CEO | PDS Optical
Sean Loosen, CEO at PDS Optical, participates in an interview during Honor Flight D.C. (Source: Evocati PR)
Between smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions, screen time and its impact on vision health are a growing concern. Veterans spend hours in front of digital devices every day. Yet virtually no targeted research exists to investigate how these consumption habits correlate with eye strain, fatigue, or blurred vision across the military-connected community.
This first-of-its-kind national study aims to change that narrative. Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, or the Reserve and National Guard components—and regardless of your service era or age—your voice matters.
The survey takes less than five minutes, your responses are completely confidential, and the group-level data will directly help PDS Optical and federal partners optimize future veteran eye care services.
Make your experience count.
Click the button below to take the confidential survey today.
Conclusion: Purpose-Driven PR that Drives Real Impact
At Evocati PR, our core philosophy centers on helping clients tell stories that inspire communities to act. We do not chase publicity for publicity's sake; we engineer strategic campaigns that solve complex problems and lift underserved populations.
The launch of the Pulse on Digital Strain Survey perfectly illustrates our commitment to "PR with a Purpose". By guiding this project from an initial concept to a nationwide movement, we are helping PDS Optical fill a critical public health gap and protect the vision of the heroes who bravely protected our nation.
If your business or mission-driven organization is ready to turn its core values into a national movement, contact our team of experts today to schedule a discovery call.
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