The Vision Council Launches its Foundation, Benefitting the Optical Industry and Consumers
Alexandria, Va., August 7, 2024—Today, The Vision Council is introducing The Vision Council Foundation, its philanthropic arm that expands the knowledge, access, and opportunities needed for professionals and consumers alike to make informed decisions about eye health. A new website (thevisioncouncilfoundation.org) consolidates programming and resources and now serves as a single central hub for education, research, and marketing tools.
In addition, Abigail Crosby has been hired as the Foundation’s partnership and business development manager, strengthening ties with donors to create and enhance the relationships and revenue streams that underpin programming.
“I love that my work goes toward making these invaluable resources possible,” Crosby said. “For eye care companies and professionals, partnering with The Vision Council Foundation is a win-win because everything we do centers around improving the public’s access to eye care and the industry’s ability to provide it.”
Directly informed by The Vision Council’s optical industry members, The Vision Council Foundation works to bridge gaps between product manufacturers, eyecare providers, and consumers. This collaboration has spawned a wide range of awareness campaigns for different facets of eye care, including:
- National Sunglasses Day, the annual celebration that emphasizes the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect people’s eyes, especially from the sun’s UV rays.
- Children’s eye health, with back-to-school-timed promotion of resources related to the importance of annual eye exams and how to find an eye doctor.
- Low vision and myopia management, offering research-backed tools for understanding the issues and accessing specialty care.
- Vision 101, a comprehensive guide that walks consumers through the basics of the eye health world, including common vision terms, eye conditions, the different types of eyecare providers, and industry organizations.
The Vision Council Foundation’s programs, campaigns and initiatives will be supported by industry data collected and analyzed through The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program. Built on a foundation of rigorous methodology, cutting-edge technology, and expert analysis, the inSights Research Program serves the needs of members of The Vision Council and the industry at large by providing timely, accessible data on the state of the vision care industry, as well as sophisticated analysis of the market’s most relevant trends.
On top of these myriad educational resources, the Foundation also seeks to address the shortage of eye care professionals by paving the way for people from a wide range of backgrounds to enter and advance in the industry. A record number of beneficiaries of The Opening Your Eyes Scholarship Fund, the Foundation’s program for financially assisting high school seniors from underrepresented communities through opticianry school, recently graduated.
“The Vision Council Foundation is the manifestation of our mission to achieve better vision for better lives,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council and The Vision Council Foundation. “Everybody has a part to play in raising awareness about eye health and championing the many resources to address eye health needs. Our Foundation’s resources offer an easy pathway for individuals and organizations to join us in this commitment.”
To donate and to learn more about The Vision Council Foundation’s resources and programs, visit https://thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/.