Transitions Optical Unveils Top 10 Sights to See in Miami and Kicks-off a Multi-city Tour to Educate Consumers About Role of Proper Eyecare and Eyewear and the Ability to See the Sights in Everyday Life

PINELLAS PARK, Fla., April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick-off its 2012 Sightseeing City Tour, Transitions Optical, the Official Sponsor of Sightseeing, together with its partner Sears Optical, unveils the Top 10 Sights to See in Miami, along with a never-before-seen interactive experience area aimed at raising awareness about the important role healthy vision plays in seeing all of the 'sights' around you – whether on vacation or in your own backyard – at the Great Taste of the Grove Food and Wine Festival in Miami, Fla., April 14 – 15.

Leading up to the Great Taste of the Grove, Transitions Optical, in conjunction with the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, identified the Top 25 Sights to See in Miami and encouraged Miami residents and tourists to vote on which of those made up the Top 10.

After receiving nearly 1,000 votes, the Top 10 Sights to See in Miami are Vizcaya Museum & Gardens; Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden; Key Biscayne; Pinecrest Gardens; Jungle Island; Coral Castle Museum; Miami Seaquarium; Miami Science Museum; Biscayne National Park; and, Little Havana.

Transitions Optical's on-site consumer experience will invite event attendees to celebrate sight by offering the opportunity to have their photos taken at a kiosk against the scenic, Miami-themed background of their choice; the chance to win prizes including the Ultimate Sightseeing Dream Vacation to the Galapagos Islands; giveaways with healthy vision and sightseeing tips, and much more. Each of the Top 10 Sights to See will be included in handouts and giveaways at Transitions Optical's on-site experience at the Great Taste of the Grove.

National travel expert/bestselling author and "Official Sightseer" Marybeth Bond – who is also known as "The Gutsy Traveler" and has been to more than 90 countries – will be part of the experience, interacting with attendees to tell her own story about how healthy vision has impacted her travels around the world.

"We are thrilled to unveil this exciting on-site experience at the Great Taste of the Grove," said Dan McLean, marketing manager, communications, Transitions Optical. "Research has shown that 50 percent of blindness is preventable through early detection and follow-up care. Together with our partner Sears Optical, we will continue to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sight and encourage people to schedule regular eye exams and wear proper eyewear so that they can enjoy all of the 'sights' around them – whether they are on vacation or in their own backyard."

Sears Optical will join Transitions Optical in this and will be on-site at the Great Taste of the Grove, providing complimentary vision screenings to children and adult attendees using breakthrough vision screening device Spot developed by PediaVision, as well as distributing coupon offers redeemable at select local Sears Optical locations. In addition, Transitions Optical and Sears Optical are sponsors of the Kids Zone area, where children and families can pick up giveaways and resources with more information about healthy sight and family-friendly activities tied to eye health, as well as participate in games and attractions as part of the event.

"This effort means a great deal to those of us at Sears Optical," said Ana Vazquez, regional sales manager, Sears Optical. "Between the opportunity to partner with Transitions Optical and to be a part of the Great Taste of the Grove, we are looking forward to making an impact right here in the local Miami community and reminding everyone about the importance of getting regular, comprehensive eye exams."

Following the Miami stop, Transitions Optical's Sightseeing City Tour will be visiting Dallas, Seattle, Chicago, and New Orleans.

To learn more about healthy vision and to find out when the Sightseeing City Tour will be near you, to vote and more, visit www.seemoresights.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).

About Sears Optical

For more than 50 years, Sears Optical has been helping families see better and look great. With over 830 stores across North America, Sears Optical offers eye care and eyewear solutions for every lifestyle - from contact lenses to affordable fashionable eyeglasses.

SOURCE Transitions Optical, Inc.