See How Essilor is Improving Kids' Lives on World Sight Day

Happy World Sight Day! Today we focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment, which is the number-one disability in the world. In honor of this annual milestone, we've partnered with Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) to bring our mission to life in our local community.

EVF works to provide vision screenings, vision exams, and eyeglasses to underserved children at no cost to their families. They also work to educate parents and communities about the importance of vision and the role it plays in literacy, society, and the economy. Since 2007, EVF has provided more than 1 million pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in need.

As an eyecare provider, you already understand how important vision is for children, since approximately 80 percent of what a child learns up to age 12 is through his or her eyes. And you take a proactive approach to educating patients with children about the impact of myopia. You’re likely also aware that many children slip through the cracks and aren’t able to access the vision care they desperately need.

Imagine helping an elementary school student who can't clearly see the chalkboard, or whose spelling list or math problems are blurry. Now imagine helping that student get a pair of eyeglasses made especially for them, with frames they chose themselves, and how that could literally change their life.

That's what happened for more than 400 Dallas-area elementary school students today. EVF and Essilor of America visited two schools to deliver glasses to students who participated in EVF's Kids' Vision Fest on October 5.

"I'll get to see more cars, more houses, more stores," says Caleb, age 8. "When I'm at school, I need to stand up to see the board because I sit in the back. Now I won't have to stand up." Angel, age 7, is pleased with his choice. "I like my glasses very much. My glasses will help me see better at school and play video games." Elia, age 8, also says her glasses will help her in school. "I used to have to stand up to see the board or ask my friends to tell me what it said. Now I can see it myself."

"Everything we learn is through our eyes, so if the kids can't see, they can't learn," shares school nurse Dwayna Griffin. "To see the kids put the glasses on and watch the amazement on their faces when they see for the first time is so moving. The program is a lot of work, but to see them smile makes it worth it for us all."

Kim Schuy, President of EVF, says World Sight Day is the perfect opportunity to bring attention to the significant difference good vision can make in a child's life. "Our mission is closely aligned with Essilor's mission of improving lives by improving sight. At EVF, we're focused on empowering children in underserved communities by making sure their parents, teachers, and community leaders understand the impact good vision can have on a child’s ability to reach their potential."

This World Sight Day, you can make a difference by taking the #PutVisionFirst pledge at www.putvisionfirst.com. For each person in the U.S. who pledges to get an eye exam between September 15 and December 31, 2017, Essilor will donate $1 to Essilor Vision Foundation. Pledges made outside of the U.S. will benefit Our Children's Vision. The total maximum donation will be $100,000.

You and your patients can make a difference. Take the pledge today.