Pearle Vision Awards $10,000 Education Scholarship

    CLEVELAND, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearle Vision today announced the
 official winner of its first-ever $10,000 Education Scholarship.  Rosemary
 Heerschap of Seattle, a retired high school registrar, won the award after
 registering to win at the Pearle Vision store located at the Sea-Tac Mall, in
 Federal Way, Washington, a suburb of Seattle.
     Individuals were invited to visit participating Pearle Vision stores
 nationwide from September 13 through November 14, 1998 to register to win the
 scholarship.  Rosemary said she will establish individual scholarship funds
 for her four grandchildren, ages 13, 11, 9 and 5, and allow the original
 $10,000 to grow over the years until they are ready to go to college.
     "I am just astounded and so very pleased at having won this scholarship,"
 Rosemary said.  "When I opened the letter, I almost couldn't believe it, but
 then I realized it was real.  I've done a lot of business over the years with
 Pearle, and it's a wonderful company."
     The scholarship was established as part of a larger campaign to draw
 attention to children's eyecare.  Learning software based on the Emmy Award
 winning Newton's Apple public television show was also available in last
 fall's retail promotion.
     We are delighted to have helped the Heerschap family with this educational
 scholarship," said Dr. Stanley C. Pearle, founder of Pearle Vision.  "Pearle
 will continue to reach out to children, parents and grandparents to emphasize
 the importance of receiving excellent quality family eyecare."
 
     About Pearle Vision
     Founded in 1961 by Dr. Stanley C. Pearle, Pearle Vision is one of the
 nation's leading optical retailers with nearly 800 stores in the U.S., Canada
 and Puerto Rico.  Pearle Vision is a subsidiary of Cleveland, Ohio-based Cole
 National, a $1 billion optical and gift retailer with a combined total of more
 than 3,000 retail locations.
 
     Editor Notes on Children's Eyecare
     The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that all children
 receive thorough eye exams at birth, age three and prior to entering
 kindergarten.  Since vision can change frequently during school years, the AOA
 recommends periodic complete vision exams versus screenings that are typically
 provided by schools.
     Unique signs of vision problems include: inflamed or watery eyes, color
 photos that show a white reflection instead of typical or no reflection;
 children who blink or rub their eyes excessively;  and complaints of
 dizziness, headaches or nausea following close-up work.
     Proper frame fit for children's glasses should include a temple that is
 long enough to fit around the ear;  a nose bridge that does not slide down the
 nose;  plenty of room between the lenses and eye to allow air flow;  and,
 sturdy spring hinges for durability.  Experts also strongly encourage parents
 to select lenses made of polycarbonate material, such as Pearle's KidSafe(TM)
 lenses, which provide the greatest impact resistance and nearly 100% UV
 protection.
     To arrange an interview with an optometrist in your local area or with Dr.
 Stanley Pearle, please contact Steffany J. Carrel at 816-512-9346.
 
 

SOURCE  Pearle Vision