CMA Award Winner Darius Rucker Fights for Better Vision

Approximately half a billion people worldwide have correctable vision issues, but lack access to quality vision care, according to a press release on Yahoo! Finance. As part of an ongoing effort to shine a spotlight on this issue and the importance of healthy, enhanced vision, Transitions Optical and vision care nonprofit OneSight have teamed up with GRAMMY and CMA Award winning music artist Darius Rucker to launch a public service announcement aimed toward raising awareness and inviting others to join the cause at www.onesight.org. Read more.

EyeMed Expands Sponsorship in OneSight's Van Program

EyeMed Vision Care has expanded its role OneSight's 2014 Vision Van Program as a presenting sponsor. The 2014 Vision Van program will provide free vision care and eyewear to thousands of students across 15 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Utah and Wisconsin, according to a company spokesperson. Students will receive comprehensive eye exams onboard EyeLeen, OneSight's mobile vision center. The van is equipped with two exam lanes staffed by doctors, opticians, and lab technicians volunteering from LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical or other local providers. Local EyeMed associates, clients, and partners also volunteer to support clinic operations. Most prescriptions will be filled onboard EyeLeen. Read more.

OneSight & BC/BS Help in Indianapolis

Some 225 Hundreds of Indianapolis-area students will receive comprehensive vision exams and new eyewear free of charge this week at Vision Van Clinics thanks to a collaboration between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and OneSight, a leading charity dedicated to providing sustainable access to quality vision care, eyewear and sun protection to those in need around the world. Since 1995, the van’s clinics have provided eye exams and eyewear to more than 13,000 children throughout Indiana.  Read more.

Clinic Helps Dallas Kids

During the OneSight Dallas Vision Van Clinic, volunteers spent January 9-11 providing eye screenings and new eyewear to hundreds of area school children in need, according to an organization's spokesperson. On Friday, volunteers helped 5-year-old Johamana, who was having difficulty at the auto refraction station. When a volunteer removed her from the line to speak with her, she began to cry. Her friend soon came and spoke to her in her native language, Arabic. Volunteers then realized that she was nervous and may have been having difficulty understanding them. Once on the van, Johamana was completely at ease!  Deema Aridi , a OneSight volunteer, spoke Arabic and was able to translate beautifully for Johamana and the doctor. Read more.

OneSight Vision Van Helping Sandy Victims

OneSight's Vision Van is parked at a Red Cross shelter in  Oceanport, New Jersey. Helping victims of Superstorm Sandy, the van “EyeLeen” and its staff started their screenings and exams yesterday and will continue today. The staff dispensed eyewear and sunglasses  donated by Luxottica USA and Oakley.

OneSight is working with the Red Cross and its partners at the Fresh Air Fund to evaluate additional locations for Vision Van Clinics in New Jersey and New York. Powered by EyeMed Vision Care, EyeLeen, not to be confused with Iris that was recently transferred to the Essilor Foundation, is a vision clinic equipped with two doctor lanes for eye exams and an onboard lab to produce finished eyewear and dispensing area. The clinic is staffed by volunteers, such as optometrists, opticians and associates affiliated with optical retail operations owned and operated by Luxottica, such as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical, Sears Optical. Read more.

Essilor Foundation Takes Over Iris Vision Clinic Van

After more than 15 years, 200,000 miles and thousands of children helped, Iris has earned her retirement! However, OneSight’s first-ever vision van isn’t heading for the Florida sun, but instead has found an exciting new home and purpose.

Recently sold to Essilor Foundation, Iris will continue giving back to those in need by becoming a vision van for clinics throughout Texas and surrounding states. Essilor Foundation currently has mobile doctor lanes and is excited to welcome Iris as their first van with a semi-finished lab inside.

Launched in 1995, Iris revolutionized OneSight programs by taking vision care directly to communities in need. Highlights from her rich history include:
• Traveling from “see to shining see” across the US, Canada and Mexico
• Aiding in critical disaster relief efforts from hurricane Katrina and tornados
• Hosting volunteer Mary Wilson, of the “Supremes” at a Krohn Conservatory Clinic
• Logging over 200,000 miles including a trip down the famous route 66
• Celebrating her final trip for OneSight in November 2010 at a Clinic in Vancouver, Canada

Verizon Sponsoring OneSight Clinic

Verizon may be best known for their tag line, “Can you hear me now?” but after generous sponsorship of a recent Optical Clinic Verizon employees were asking students, "Can you see me now?" Verizon® and OneSight® recently partnered to provide free eye care and eyewear to 1,200 children in need during a OneSight Clinic held in Cincinnati. In addition to a $15,000 grant toward Clinic operations, several dedicated employees volunteered their time to help students through the exam process. Read more.

OneSight Launches Pilot Program in Cincinnati

OneSight is preparing to launch OneSight Vision Center at CityLink, a new community-based program created to eliminate vision care as a barrier for the working poor. OneSight is setting up the pilot program about 20 miles from Luxottica's North American headquarters in Mason, Ohio. Cincinnati is actually the third poorest city in the United States. One in four people in Cincinnati live below the poverty line. This incredible need inspired multiple organizations to come together to create CityLink Center, a new holistic facility that brings essential support services together under one roof to help people climb out of poverty. According to Dr. Jason Singh, OD, Vice President and Executive Director of OneSight, vision care nearly topped the list of needs. "In a survey of prospective CityLink clientele, 71% ranked the need for Vision and Dental Services as critical to their success. In fact, only Job Help ranked higher (74%) in terms of essential support,” he said. Read more.

A Gift from Heaven

At the recent two-week OneSight India Clinic, volunteers helped to restore the vision of thousands of adults and children. One patient asked a volunteer, "Where are you from?"

“The USA,” she said.

“No, you are from heaven. You are giving us eyesight.” Read more.

Ride for Sight Raises Almost $35,000 for OneSight

Two hundred forty-seven riders in 22 cities across the U.S. collectively rode thousands of miles and raised a record $34,270 for OneSight. “What began as a friendly competition between my Regional Manager and I, has quickly turned into an awesome event which brings out our associates and friends from across Luxottica Retail brands and U.S. cities, all to champion a great cause – OneSight,” said Sunglass Hut associate and Ride Founder, Laura Tarket-Johnson (Regional Manager, Region 108). Rides took place in Albuquerque, NM; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Denver, CO; El Paso/Brownsville, TX; Houston, TX; Ft. Worth, TX; Marina Del Rey/Santa Monica, CA; Portsmouth, NH; , New York City, NY; Orange County, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Providence, RI; Rochester, NY; San Antonio, TX; St. Louis, MO; Southern California, Tulsa, OK.
Interested in organizing a ride in your city? Contact Laura Tarket-Johnson.

OneSight Runs Clinic in Mexico

At the OneSight Mexico Clinic (August 26 – September 8), passionate team members brought the gift of clear vision to recipients of all ages. Among the hundreds of patients was a 10-year-old boy named Fernando who aspired to be an engineer when he grew up but could not see clearly at school. Upon receiving his new eyewear and sunwear, Fernando revealed from his pocket an old pair of broken glasses he could no longer use. Volunteers were able to not only give Fernando the gift of sight but also repair his old frames to serve as backup eye wear! Read more.

Par for Sight Raises Almost Half a Million for OneSight

Par for Sight participants didn’t let a little rain dampen their ability to raise funds for OneSight. In just one day, more than 700 supporters enjoyed four flights of golf, a Putt Putt tournament, and a PARtee and raised more than $434,000. Changes to the tournament this year included moving all four flights of golf to one day across two courses, exciting prize additions like new cars, and elevating the Silent Auction. Read more.

Empire BlueCross Teams Up with One Sight

"EyeLeen"

Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation and OneSight, a Luxottica Foundation, have teamed up to bring "EyeLeen," the brand new OneSight Vision Van, to New York on Monday, September 26 and Tuesday, September 27. Students from kindergarten through middle school were pre-selected (based on their visual and financial needs) to receive free vision care, including full eye exams and new eyewear. Held at Roosevelt School, 60 Underhill Avenue, Roosevelt, NY, local doctors, community partners, brokers, as well as employees from LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical and Target Optical will provide services and assistance to students from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.Read more.

Ford Emplyees Working with OneSight

The Ford Volunteer Corps has joined forces with OneSight on an eyeglass drive in the Metro Detroit area. Employees and local residents are being asked to bring in their old eyeglasses for free distribution to eye care clinics around the world.Read more.

Coburn and Unyson Work with OneSight

Coburn Technologies, Inc. donated "about 20,000 lenses to OneSight’s Optical Clinics," goes the post on Vision Care Venture. Valued at approximately $160,000, they will eventually supply 10,000 underprivileged people with their first pair of glasses. Free freight for the more than 700 pounds of lenses was provided by Unyson Logistics." Read more.

Name OneSight's Vision Van

"This March, a new Vision Van will join the OneSight fleet and travel North America to provide vision care and eyewear to thousands of children in need. The only roadblock? It needs a name!" according to the OneSight post. "Submit your suggestions now through Wednesday, February 9 to development@onesight.org. The OneSight team will narrow the field of entries. Finalist names will be posted on OneSight’s Facebook page Friday, February 11. Fans of OneSight are invited to show their love for their favorite name by 'Liking' the entry. The number of 'Likes' will help the OneSight team determine the final name for our newest addition. The winning submission will be featured on the Van and recognized online.“

ECPs Rock the House

OneSight posted the following about the EyeRock concert:

Each year, amateur musicians from across the optical industry converge on New York City during Vision Expo East to participate in EyeRock -- a rock concert to benefit OneSight. The event is a perfect fit for companies that are looking to showcase their support of OneSight while providing great add-on entertainment in mid-town Manhattan for clients and friends attending VEE.

This year, EyeRock New York will take place at The Hard Rock Café. It will feature an open bar (beer and wine), light hor d'oeurves and four fantastic sets of live music. With this great new location, this promises to be the most rockin' EyeRock yet!
The show is once again presented by Converse and John Varvatos by REM Eyewear.
EyeRock New York 2011 will take place Saturday, March 19 from 9:00pm - 1:00am at The Hard Rock Café Times Square (1501 Broadway).
Sponsorship opportunities range from $2,000 - $15,000. Please contact development@onesight.org for details or make your pledge today!
Individual tickets will be available at www.onesight.org starting for February 1st for a $75 donation to OneSight.