Transitions Optical, Inc.
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking healthy sight awareness to the streets of New York City, Transitions Optical has teamed up with Erik Estrada of the famed 70s TV show "CHiPs" to educate consumers about the importance of proper eyecare and eyewear. As a Healthy Sight Officer dressed in full uniform, Estrada led the Healthy Sight Patrol through high-traffic areas of the city yesterday, including Times Square and Bryant Park, and issued "Sightations" to those who were not properly caring for their eyes. Individuals received Sightations for violations such as "Visual Abandonment" and "Indecent Exposure" and also had the opportunity to get their photo taken with Estrada, which they can retrieve online by visiting www.GetSighted.com.
Summer is an especially important time to educate consumers about the need to protect their eyes, particularly with the increased amount of time being spent outdoors exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. While most people are aware of the need to protect their skin with sunscreen, research shows that an overwhelming number do not know that exposure to UV rays can cause long-term, irreversible damage to the eyes, including cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as to the sensitive skin around the eyes. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 3.2 million people go blind every year from prolonged UV exposure.
"This grassroots effort is an extension of our year-long consumer outreach to build awareness for the need for healthy sight," said Dan McLean, consumer communications specialist, Transitions Optical. "New York City offers a broad base of consumers with which to interact and inform them about the damaging effects of UV exposure and the importance of wearing proper eyewear, such as Transitions® lenses, that block 100% of harmful UV rays."
Each Sightation bears a coupon redeemable at LensCrafters stores in New York City and nationwide. Throughout the day, Estrada also made special appearances at two LensCrafters stores in the city.
"I'm thrilled to partner with Transitions Optical to help protect citizens today and tomorrow by educating them about the importance of protecting their vision," said Erik Estrada. "It's a great opportunity to remind everyone that protecting their eyes from the sun with the right eyewear and visiting their eye doctor regularly can help promote healthy sight for a lifetime."
Healthy Sight Patrol Schedule for June 22:
Those who weren't in New York City can still join the Healthy Sight Patrol by visiting www.GetSighted.com, where they can create and share customized postcards featuring Erik Estrada via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter, send Sightations to friends and family members, and download additional LensCrafters coupons to redeem in-store.
For more information about healthy sight and to download your photo with Erik Estrada, visit www.GetSighted.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, the first to earn the American Optometric Association's Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers, visit Transitions.com or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).
About LensCrafters
LensCrafters is the largest optical retailer in North America with more than 900 stores and nearly 15,000 associates across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. An established household name for more than 25 years, LensCrafters provides convenient access to eye exams, a wide choice of lenses and fashion and luxury eyewear, one-hour service, an unconditional 30-day guarantee, and more.
LensCrafters is wholly owned by Luxottica Group, the Milan-based NYSE-listed global leader in premium fashion, luxury and sports eyewear. Additional information is available at www.lenscrafters.com and www.luxottica.com.
CONTACT: Rachel Hopkins, Burson-Marsteller, +1-412-394-6642,
[email protected]; or Dan McLean, Transitions Optical, Inc.,
+1-727-545-0400 ext. 7502, [email protected]
Web site: http://www.GetSighted.com/