Whether you’re in the market for some shades or want to change things up with a new set of frames, why not opt for a pair that fits your style, price point, and optical needs while also giving back? In the spirit of Giving Tuesday – an annual worldwide celebration to promote generosity – read on to learn about eyewear companies who are committed to not only providing quality eyecare products, but are passionate about supporting communities large and small.
From donating millions of pairs of glasses to those in need or funding life-changing vision operations, it’s clear to see that the eyewear companies below are making an impact.
Companies Making an Impact
Through the company’s ‘Buy a Pair, Give a Pair’ program, more than 15 million pairs of glasses have been distributed via cross-sector partnerships. Among some of its charitable endeavors, Warby Parker partners with organizations across 75 countries to create access to affordable or free eyewear for those in need, raise awareness about common optical issues, and provide vision screenings.
Through a partnership with Seva Foundation, Modo has provided vision screenings, eye exams and necessary treatment to more than 1.7 million children worldwide. Each Modo frame purchased supports this ongoing initiative, called “Buy a Frame – Help a Child See,” committed to providing free, comprehensive eyecare to children in underprivileged areas.
In partnership with The National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness, the Zenni Scholarship to Advance Children’s Vision supports vision screening and access to eye care for populations in underserved communities throughout the U.S. The program also offers access to vouchers for the full cost of Zenni eyeglasses for children served by scholarship recipients who do not otherwise have public or private insurance to cover the cost of new or replacement eyeglasses.
Since 2008, FGX has teamed up with nonprofit RestoringVision to donate eyewear to people living in poverty across the globe. For every pair of eyewear purchased on FosterGrant.com, FGX will donate one pair of reading glasses to those in need.
Through a global partnership with Orbis, Hoya Vision Care works to provide millions of people with access to necessary eyecare around the world as well as increase eye-health education. In addition to supporting communities worldwide, their sustainability program, One Vision, also focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of their operations.
In an effort to honor nurses, hospital employees, first responders, military service members, and healthcare professionals, Maui Jim’s “Mahalo to Heroes” program provides verified personnel with exclusive benefits. The initiative gives back to those who work year-round to keep the public safe and healthy by providing them with one free pair of Maui Jim sunglasses or readers.
How We Give Back
At The Vision Council Foundation, we are deeply committed to giving back because we know helping others starts a chain reaction of paying it forward. In that same spirit, we established a scholarship program that aims to give back to communities who many not always represented in the optical industry. While people of color represent 40% of the U.S. population, they only represent 20% of optometrists.
That’s why each year, we award scholarships to high school seniors of color pursuing an associate degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing at a participating member institution within the National Federation of Opticianry Schools. The $6,000 scholarship is renewable each year and includes additional funds for reimbursement of certification and state exam fees.
These scholarships help financially support individual recipients and contribute to building a more inclusive and diverse optical health care industry.
