(PRESS RELEASE) EAGLE BUTTE, SD — 987 community members, including children through seniors, received free vision services at a five-day vision clinic held August 4 – 8. The clinic was hosted by the North America affiliate of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, the world’s leading vision care foundation, in partnership with the Cheyenne River Youth Project and Sunglass Hut.
Founded in 1988, the Cheyenne River Youth Project is a grassroots, Native- and woman-led nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Lakota youth with access to a vibrant and more secure future. Held at the Youth Project’s community center in Eagle Butte, the clinic provided free eye exams and prescription glasses to families who may otherwise lack access to essential vision care. Of the almost 1,000 people screened, there was a 95% need rate. Thanks to the Foundation’s onsite lens production capabilities and proven clinic model, most patients received their new, high-quality eyewear the same day.
“Partnering with the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation allows us to make a real difference in the lives of the youth and broader community we serve,” said Julie Garreau, Chief Executive Officer of the Cheyenne River Youth Project. “When vision issues go untreated, they can create barriers to learning and self-confidence. We’re incredibly grateful to OneSight and Sunglass Hut for the care and support they brought last week, helping more people see a brighter future.”
“We are proud to support this vibrant community through the gift of clear vision,” said Becky Palm, Executive Director of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, North America. “Equipping the whole family with clear sight empowers them to thrive in every aspect of life. We are very thankful to Sunglass Hut’s partnership in making the impact possible.”
Sunglass Hut is a long-standing, dedicated partner of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, regularly supporting the Foundation’s charitable vision clinics as well as fundraising through customer donations. These efforts support the Foundation’s broader commitment to eliminate uncorrected poor vision within a generation.
“Sunglass Hut is a proud supporter of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and giving the gift of clear sight to those who need it most,” said Onur Koksal, President of Sunglass Hut North America. “We recently launched a care kit that customers may purchase in-store, with a portion of proceeds going to further support OneSight’s mission. The care kit’s cleaning cloth has special meaning, featuring artwork by a patient who received life-changing vision care.”
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To learn more about the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and how to support its work, visit www.onesight.essilorluxottica.com.
