Essilor Vision Foundation Targets Childrens Vision Problems
By Essilor News
01/07/2008
DALLAS – January 7, 2008 – Essilor of America, Inc. announces the creation of the Essilor Vision Foundation, a public, non-profit foundation based in Dallas, Texas. The new foundation will strive to help people achieve better lives through better sight by creating and supporting activities that advance good vision and its benefits, and offering special help to those who need it most.
“Essilor International sees this U.S.-based foundation as a step in furthering its worldwide activities as a socially responsible company,” said Hubert Sagnieres, president, North America and Europe Regions. “By combining the dedication of our employees, our comprehensive network of labs and our strong relationships with eyecare professionals nationwide, we plan to work side-by-side with the foundation to improve access to vision care.”
The new foundation will concentrate its initial efforts on U.S. school children. Its first program focuses on educating parents about the need for annual eye exams for children through a partnership with schools in Tarrant County, Texas. The foundation also plans to work closely with other non-profit organizations such as Lions Clubs International, to find ways to help families pay for eye exams and receive eyeglasses that they might not otherwise be able to afford.
“Studies show that one in four children in the United States have a vision problem that their parents aren’t aware of,” said Audrey Reed, executive director. “It affects their reading, learning and behavior in the classroom. Research suggests the percentage of inner-city children with uncorrected vision problems is as high as 50 percent. We are developing programs to address these issues so all children, regardless of their ethnic background or financial status, have an equal chance to learn and become productive members of society.”
About the Essilor Vision Foundation
The Essilor Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit organization, based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to helping people achieve better lives through better sight by creating and supporting activities that advance good vision and its benefits and offering special help to those who need it most. www.essilorvisionfoundation.org
About Essilor
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 eyecare professionals across the nation. Essilor of America, Inc. (Essilor) is a subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International, S.A., a publicly held company traded on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Reuters: ESSI.PA).
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Varilux and Crizal are registered trademarks and DEFINITY is a trademark of Essilor International, S.A. Thin&Lite is a registered trademark of Essilor of America, Inc.