More Than 500 Million People Worldwide Lack Access To Quality Vision Care

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., Aug. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately half a billion people worldwide have correctable vision issues, but lack access to quality vision care. They are unable to see the words in a book or on a chalkboard and even more so to reach their potential and bring their goals and dreams into focus. 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.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7194751-transitions-optical-onesight-darius-rucker-make-dreams-come-true/

While the need for quality vision care is prevalent worldwide, it is also a remarkably widespread issue in the United States, especially among children.

• 1 in 4 students in kindergarten through sixth grade has an undetected vision problem that can interfere with the ability to learn (American Optometric Association)
• Vision disability is the single most prevalent disabling condition among children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

"I've worn Transitions^® lenses for years and understand how important vision is to being able to pursue your dreams and enjoy what matters the most to you," said Darius Rucker. "Access to quality vision care is such a huge issue around the world, and I'm especially surprised by just how many kids in our own hometowns are in need. I'm excited to join Transitions Optical and OneSight to help make a difference, and encourage others to do the same."

The PSA, which will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week, focuses on the impact that access to quality eyecare and the ability to see clearly and comfortably can have on the lives of people of all ages, both around the world and here at home.

"We can improve lives for nearly half a billion people with access to an eye exam and pair of glasses," said Dr. Jason Singh, OD, OneSight Executive Director. "OneSight is committed to providing sustainable access to vision care in underserved communities in the U.S. and worldwide. We are grateful for the partnership with Darius Rucker and Transitions Optical to raise awareness and invite supporters to join the cause. By working together, we can eradicate the global vision care crisis in our lifetime."

Founded in 1988, OneSight has helped nearly 9 million people in 40 countries receive access to quality vision care.

Transitions Optical will continue its efforts to make a difference by joining Darius Rucker in select markets across the United States during his True Believers Tour this year to provide free eyecare services to children and families in need.

"We're so pleased to join OneSight through a partnership with our brand ambassador Darius Rucker to raise awareness about such an important cause," said Patience Cook, associate director, North America marketing, Transitions Optical. "Through our combined efforts with this PSA and continued community outreach efforts along with our larger campaign highlighting Transitions adaptive lenses as the Official Sponsor of Sightseeing™, we continue to emphasize the importance of enhanced vision in connecting with the world around you."

To learn more about how you can get involved and what OneSight is doing to solve the global vision crisis, visit www.onesight.org. For more about Transitions Optical and the Transitions family of products, visit www.transitions.com.  

About Transitions Optical, Inc.

Transitions Optical is the leading provider of plastic photochromic (adaptive) lenses to optical manufacturers worldwide. Having been the first to successfully manufacture and commercialize plastic adaptive lenses in 1990, and as a result of its relentless investment in research and development and technology, Transitions Optical offers a wide variety of products, setting new standards of advanced performance to provide ever increasing visual comfort and UV protection.

Product leadership, consumer focus, and operational excellence have made the Transitions^® brand one of the most recognized consumer brands in optics.

Transitions Optical has been awarded the Gallup Great Workplace Award for 2013 for the fifth consecutive year.

For more information about the company and Transitions lenses, visit Transitions.com.

About OneSight

OneSight is an independent nonprofit providing access to quality eye care and new eyewear in underserved communities worldwide. Since 1988, OneSight has partnered with local health organizations, governments, school districts, industry leaders, doctors and volunteers to help nearly 9 million people in 40 countries. In 2014, OneSight will serve more than 250,000 people in 14 countries through its charitable Vision Clinics and sustainable Vision Centers in The Gambia and the United States. OneSight's programs are made possible thanks to generous sponsorship and volunteer support from Luxottica, its affiliated brands and many individuals, corporations, foundations, industry and community partners. For more information, visit OneSight.org.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7194751-transitions-optical-onesight-darius-rucker-make-dreams-come-true/

SOURCE Transitions Optical