The Children’s Eye Care Foundation was founded by Marshall Parks, MD to promote prevention, detection, treatment, research, and education to protect the vision of children. The early activities of the Foundation included providing funding for post-residency fellowships, as well as research to correct children’s eye disorders and diseases. The Foundation also held symposia to educate healthcare providers about the importance of children’s eye care.

The Children’s Eye Care Foundation was later renamed the National Children’s Eye Care Foundation (NCECF).