Solidarity, the “Sight Days” to guarantee thousands of free eye examinations and glasses for frail people with visual defects

MILAN – In 2022 there are still 2.7 billion people in the world with uncorrected vision defects, despite the multiple solutions capable of solving 80% of all vision-related problems. To defend the right to see well and allow “sustainable access” to free eye exams and eyeglasses for those who need it most, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation operates all over the world, bringing together the main advocacy and philanthropic actions of the Group and brings together under one roof the long tradition of sustainable initiatives of Essilor And Luxottica.

Permanent access to eye care. Since 2013, with the support of Governments, NGOs and a vast partner network, the Foundation it has given permanent access to eye care for half a billion people and has provided eyewear to over 50 million individuals in disadvantaged areas and communities on the planet. Many of them have discovered the benefits of a vision correction for the first time in their life. At the same time, the Foundation has trained 20,000 primary eye care entrepreneurs who are now able to support their families by providing assistance to their communities. By embracing the goal of the United Nations, the Foundation has set itself the goal of eliminating uncorrected visual defects within a generation: by 2050. A mission that, in our country, has been entrusted to the new Italian Chapter: OneSight EssilorLuxottica Italia Foundation ETS (Third Sector Entity), born from the merger between the OneSight Luxottica Group Foundation-Onlus and the Salmoiraghi & Viganò Foundation.

The goal of social inclusion. “Even in Italy – explains Secretary General Andrea Rendina – much can be done to promote access to eye care and social inclusion for disadvantaged people or people with vision problems. The growing number of homeless people, refugees from wars, people in poverty, requires an important intervention. To these people we promise to offer free eye examinations and eyeglasses with the collaboration of ophthalmologists and associations present throughout Italy ”.

The development of three main actions. There OneSight EssilorLuxottica Italia Foundation it will develop its actions on three main axes: ophthalmology; prevention and philanthropy, continuing on a larger scale the charitable activities already implemented by the Group. Among these: institutional relations with the world of ophthalmology, developing initiatives such as publications, seminars and active participation in the main medical conferences, thanks to the content guaranteed by the Scientific Committee, animated by Italian ophthalmologists and key opinion leaders in the sector. The Foundation will also maintain the active role of “Ambassador of prevention” through information and communication, awareness raising and vision prevention initiatives extended to the public.

Stages in 12 Italian cities. There Foundation will launch an initiative throughout the national territory from 10 October 2022: the ‘Sight Days 2022 – 2023‘. At each stage, in 12 Italian cities, the Foundation will carry out eye examinations for poor people free of charge and donate eyeglasses where necessary. The number of people involved through a vast network of partners and associations of reference on the Italian territory will be around 1,000 per stage. “We believe that seeing well is a fundamental human right – concludes Rendina – for this reason we are committed to offering a better future, where everyone has access to sustainable eye care. The values ​​and commitment of EssilorLuxottica to eliminate uncorrected vision problems within one generation.

An innovative approach. There Foundation uses an innovative approach oriented towards philanthropy, public awareness raising and collaborations aimed at creating sustainable access to vision care. Together with ophthalmologists and associations we want to create a concrete virtuous circle, dedicated to the sight of the most disadvantaged people. With them we will be stronger and we will be able to better achieve our mission and our objectives, concentrating our efforts more effectively, extending the scope of interventions and maximizing our social impact “.

The first stop in Milan. The first stage of the initiative will be held in Milan from 10 to 21 October, within the “Enzo Jannacci” Hospitality House, made available to the municipal administration. The structure will create 5 rooms set up with specialized equipment and made available by EssilorLuxottica and dedicated to eye examinations conducted by the team of Prof. Bandello, Director of the Ophthalmology Unit of the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. There will also be a room dedicated to the choice of eyeglasses with the presence of an optician EssilorLuxottica. The project also makes use of the participation of Martinitt Milanese Institutes and Stelline And Pio Albergo Trivulziowhich house orphans and minors removed from their families, as well as the elderly.