Essilor Honors Optometry Schools With 2006 Optical Technology Grants

02/13/2007

DALLAS – (February 13, 2007) – Essilor of America, Inc. (EOA) announced the recipients of its 2006 Essilor Optical Technology Grants. These grants are awarded to schools and colleges of optometry that exhibit their commitment to growing the industry through new advancements and technology. This year’s winners included:

• UC Berkeley for equipment to start a new outreach clinic

• The Ohio State University to update its Eyewear Gallery and patient welcoming center

• University of Missouri at St. Louis and Pennsylvania College of Optometry (a tie), both for dispensary computer program updates and patient programs

Both UC Berkeley and The Ohio State University received a $20,000 grant to apply toward their projects. The University of Missouri at St. Louis and Pennsylvania College of Optometry each received a $10,000 grant.

“We are excited to honor these four schools for their outstanding contributions to our industry,” said Dr. Rodney Tahran, EOA vice president of professional relations and clinical affairs. “Essilor has always been committed to supporting education programs that are dedicated to furthering the optical industry. We realize the optometry students of today are the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Essilor is in its fifth year of awarding these grants to optometry schools and has awarded over $300,000 during that time. Entry requirements included a 1,000-word application detailing why the school needed and deserved the grant.

Applications were judged based on the school’s commitment to the growth of premium optical technology, as well as how the money will help the school elevate the standards and visibility of ophthalmic dispensing for students and patients. The panel of judges was comprised of Essilor executives and independent optometrists. Funds were distributed by December 31, 2006.

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Essilor is the leading manufacturer of optical lenses in the United States and is the market leader in progressive, high-index and anti-reflective coated lenses. A pioneer in the development and production of ophthalmic lenses, Essilor employs more than 8,500 people throughout North America. Essilor manufactures optical lenses under the Varilux®, Crizal®, Thin&Lite®, DEFINITY™ and other Essilor brand names. Essilor Laboratories of America (ELOA) is the largest, and most trusted, optical lab network in the U.S. and offers a wide choice of services and lens brands, including Essilor premium lenses, to eye care professionals across the nation. Essilor of America, Inc. (Essilor) is a subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International, S.A., the worldwide leader in ophthalmic lenses and a publicly held company traded on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Reuters: ESSI.PA).

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