(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS – This World Sight Day, Essilor of America will recognize those eyecare professionals who embody the company’s mission of improving lives by improving sight with its #DifferenceMakers campaign. Set to launch on October 11, the #DifferenceMakers campaign will be carried out through industry publications, social media, and a dedicated microsite. At the microsite EssilorUSA.com/DifferenceMakers, visitors can bring an eye care professional’s good deeds into focus by nominating them to join Essilor on a mission trip to Southeast Asia in 2019.
The microsite will also feature stories of industry professionals who are already making a difference in the lives of others, and provide ways that eyecare professionals can get involved through the Essilor Vision Foundation. One of those #DifferenceMakers is Dr. Kelechi Mezu-Nnabue, OD, DrPH, FWCO, Mezu International Foundation Inc. For the last three years, Dr. Mezu-Nnabue has partnered with Essilor Vision Foundation to provide free health and vision screenings for the poor and disadvantaged in Baltimore, MD. The twice-yearly vision screenings see about 250 patients, of which about 60% are children. “Children with uncorrected refractive errors or vision problems have increased social, and academic barriers,” says Dr. Mezu-Nnabue. “That is why giving our participants free eyeglasses made with their exact prescription has made a difference in their lives and impacted them positively.”
“At Essilor, we are inspired by stories like Dr. Mezu-Nnabue’s,” says Rick Gadd, president of Essilor of America, “and we think it’s time we recognize eyecare professionals for the good they bring to the world. That’s why we’re celebrating those who are passionate about giving back – our industry’s #DifferenceMakers. We want to not only want to celebrate these deserving individuals, but we also hope to inspire others to take action and get involved.”
At EssilorUSA.com/DifferenceMakers, those wishing to make a nomination will be asked to explain in 500 words or less why their nominee should be selected. Three nominees will be chosen for the mission trip based on their passion for making a difference and the impact their actions have had in the lives of others. Nominations will be accepted until November 30, 2018, and nominators are encouraged to include any photos, videos, or links to support their nomination.
Additionally, to encourage its own employees to participate, Essilor will be launching an internal employee #DifferenceMakers campaign. Essilor employees will be able earn points by taking actions that further the company’s mission of improving lives by improving sight. Three employees will also join the mission trip to Southeast Asia in 2019. “We’re excited to bring this campaign to life, both for our customers and our employees,” adds Gadd, “because at the end of the day we all have a common goal – to improve the lives of others by providing better sight.”