(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS, TX — Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) is committing $250,000 to support eye doctors in their efforts to prioritize charitable patients who need vision care through its new Changing Life through Lenses (CLTL) Relief Fund campaign. The CLTL Relief Fund is designed to kick-start and expand the philanthropic efforts of eye doctors around the U.S. ODs who enroll and provide vision services to eligible charitable patients* can receive funds of up to $1,500.
Due to several factors over the past year, there are currently many people who need help from the optical industry. While EVF has programs and resources for charitable ODs, the foundation depends on eye doctors to provide vision care to those who cannot afford it. To assist ODs who want to give back in their communities, EVF is paying it forward by offering funding to help them with their charitable endeavors. Not only do doctors receive FREE glasses for their patients through EVF’s Changing Life through Lenses program, but now every doctor who enrolls in the CLTL Relief Fund can receive up to $1,500. The hour it takes out of an OD’s day to serve someone in need can change that person’s life.
“When an eye doctor takes the optometric oath, that doctor promises to put others’ needs above their own, and to see that no one lacks for proper care,” says Dr. Millicent Knight, Senior Vice President, Customer Development Group, Essilor of America. “Participating in the CLTL Relief Fund helps ODs honor that oath and make a difference in their communities.”
To qualify for funding, ODs must register for Changing Life through Lenses or already have a Changing Life through Lenses account. This program provides free lenses, frames and lab services when an eye doctor gives a vision exam to an eligible patient who otherwise would not be able to get vision care. The next steps are easy:
- Enroll in the CLTL Relief Fund, a limited time campaign available June 1 through December 31
- Serve two patients starting June 1, 2021, to get $150
- Serve 20 or more patients by December 31, 2021, to get $1,500
Visit Changing Life through Lenses (CLTL) Relief Fund to enroll.
“Many people are in greater need than ever before,” explains Becky Palm, EVF President and Executive Director. “EVF is deeply appreciative of the charitable eye doctors and nonprofits that partner with us to provide vision services to patients in underserved areas. The CLTL Relief Fund is our way of paying it forward and championing those who give back in their communities.”
A shared commitment
Changing Life through Lenses is made possible thanks to the generosity of Essilor of America, which provides in-kind donations of complete pairs of glasses to EVF. This ongoing product donation has a significant impact as it greatly reduces the cost to serve, enabling EVF to offer free glasses to ODs and nonprofits for patients in need. The partnership between EVF and Essilor of America illustrates both organizations’ commitment to helping people around the country see clearly.
The CLTL Relief Fund is only available for a limited time. EVF encourages all ODs to enroll so they can receive up to $1,500 to support their efforts to serve charitable patients and change lives.