OneSight Hosts Global Vision Awareness Events on World Sight Day

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Oct 13, 2010, 03:12 ET

Luxottica employees and OneSight volunteers see life through the eyes of millions who suffer from poor vision during "OneDay" for OneSight charity on October 14

Public invited to participate online at www.OneSight.org

MASON, Ohio, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On October 14, OneSight, Luxottica's global charity which provides free vision care and eyewear to millions in need, will host a series of global vision awareness events as part of World Sight Day. Participants will spend the day imagining what life is like for the more than 314 million people who suffer from poor vision.

During "OneDay," employees at Luxottica's manufacturing and distribution facilities, retail stores and offices around the world will have the opportunity to attempt everyday tasks while wearing glasses simulating three of the most common vision impairments: uncorrected refractive error, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

"By taking time to experience these common vision problems firsthand, our employees can better understand the realities faced by our customers and OneSight patients," said Greg Hare, OneSight Executive Director. "Our employees are passionate about helping the world see. This kind of experience brings additional meaning to the significance of our everyday work and our charitable efforts to provide clear vision to millions in need through OneSight."

In addition to the simulations, many employees will also participate in OneDay service events, including recycling used eyewear for use on OneSight global clinics and providing free eye exams and glasses to those in need in local communities.

The public is invited to celebrate World Sight Day and join the "OneDay for OneSight" experience by visiting www.OneSight.org. The site features a "Blurry to Clear" tool that demonstrates the realities of not having clear vision through three OneSight program recipient stories. The site also provides information and videos about OneSight's charitable programs, including blogs and photography from current regional and global clinics.

About World Sight Day

October 14 is World Sight Day, an annual day to focus global attention on blindness, visual impairment and rehabilitation of the visually impaired. Created by the World Health Organization, this day is observed around the world by organizations that exist to help preserve or restore clear vision.

About OneSight

OneSight, Luxottica's 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the US, is a family of charitable programs dedicated to improving vision for those in need worldwide through outreach, research and education. OneSight's outreach programs include the hand-delivery of free primary vision care, eyewear and optical sun protection. Since 1988, OneSight outreach efforts have helped more than seven million people around the world see more clearly. The OneSight Research Foundation has granted millions of dollars towards research and education. Luxottica employees, affiliated and independent doctors, vendors, donors and other charitable partners worldwide, work together to give the gift of sight to those in need. Luxottica provides inspiration for OneSight and it is the organization's main sponsor. www.onesight.org.

About Luxottica

Luxottica Group (MTA: LUX; NYSE: LUX) is a global leader in premium fashion, luxury and sports eyewear with more than 6,300 optical and sun retail stores in North America, Asia-Pacific, China, South Africa and Europe and a strong and well-balanced brand portfolio. Luxottica's house brands include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Vogue, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Arnette and REVO, while license brands include Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany and Versace. In addition to a global wholesale network covering 130 different countries, Luxottica manages leading retail brands such as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and ILORI in North America, OPSM and Laubman&Pank in Asia-Pacific, LensCrafters in China and Sunglass Hut globally. The Group's products are designed and manufactured at its six manufacturing plants in Italy, two wholly-owned plants in China and a sport sunglass production facility in the US. www.Luxottica.com.