Transitions Optical Brings Awareness of Healthy, Enhanced Vision to Thousands in Chicago

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, Transitions Optical and industry partner Visionworks reached thousands of event attendees by providing complimentary vision screenings to children and adults at the Transitions^® adaptive lenses tent.  The event was the fourth stop along Transitions Optical's "Sightseeing City Tour," bringing awareness of healthy, enhanced vision to cities across the country.

During the five-day Chicago event, more than 2,600 Taste of Chicago attendees received vision screenings courtesy of Visionworks. More than half did not pass the basic vision screening and were referred to receive comprehensive exams.

According to research, more than 12 million Americans have an uncorrected vision problem, and certain ethnic groups are even more prone to specific vision issues. For example, African Americans are more prone to developing cataracts than the general population and Hispanics also face a greater risk for developing both cataracts and macular degeneration, yet more than two-thirds of each of these respective groups do not realize that their ethnicity puts them at an increased risk for these vision issues.

"With more than half of the people we screened requiring a comprehensive exam, we are thrilled to have met such a great need in the Chicago community," said Dan McLean, marketing manager, communications, Transitions Optical. "Research has shown that more than 50 percent of blindness is preventable through early detection and follow-up care. Taste of Chicago provided a relevant and exciting opportunity for us at Transitions Optical, along with our partner Visionworks, to remind people to take care of their eyes by visiting their local eye doctor for regular comprehensive eye exams, and by wearing proper eyewear."

In addition to the vision screenings, Taste attendees also received special coupon offers for Transitions^® lenses redeemable at the more than 30 Visionworks locations in the Chicagoland area.

To learn more about Transitions Optical and to find out which Transitions lenses are right for you, visit www.transitions.com.

About Transitions Optical, Inc.
Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International.  The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide.  Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions^® lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight.  They are clear indoors and at night.  Outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change.  Transitions lenses provide visual comfort, and enhance visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, helping you to see better today.  Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays – helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes – so you can see better tomorrow as well.

For more information about the company and Transitions lenses, visit Transitions.com or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).

SOURCE Transitions Optical, Inc.