ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association (UOA) have announced a partnership to advance UV safety awareness for National Sunglasses Day, which the groups said reflects their shared commitment to encouraging year-round sunglasses use and celebrating the role that opticians and eyecare providers play in helping people find the perfect eyewear fit. “Protecting your eyes from UV damage is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term health, and National Sunglasses Day exists to make sure people everywhere know that,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council and The Vision Council Foundation. “The UOA’s support means we’re bringing that message directly into optical practices across the country, where it can make a real difference.”
The partnership between The Vision Council Foundation and UOA coincides with the UOA’s One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference that will be held in Chicago from June 25 through June 27, National Sunglasses Day. The conference will bring together optical professionals and industry leaders from across the country to advance education, innovation and public awareness in eyecare.
“Opticians are trusted guides in eye health, and National Sunglasses Day gives us the perfect opportunity to remind our patients and communities that protecting their vision from UV damage is a year-round priority, and your optician and eyecare provider can help you make this part of your everyday routine,” said Gwen Cooper, executive director of The United Opticians Association. “We are proud to stand alongside The Vision Council Foundation this year and are excited to share this message at our Leadership Conference in Chicago.”
The UOA’s Leadership conference and the Foundation’s shared message to the public is “protect your eyes, every day,” the organizations said. As noted by The Vision Council Foundation, eyecare providers act at the center of that effort, helping patients understand the risks of UV exposure and find eyewear suited to their needs, lifestyle and personal style. Approximately 30 million pairs of plano sunglasses are sold through optical stores each year, The Foundation said, representing roughly 10 percent of the market, underscoring how significant ECPs’ roles are in driving awareness.
National Sunglasses Day is June 27. The Vision Council Foundation encourages the optical community to get involved by using the hashtag #NationalSunglassesDay and utilizing its free, ready-made toolkits found here.
