In 2006, the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation embarked on a partnership with The Salvation Army. Years on, we’ve since collaborated on our vision voucher program as well as many physical eyecare clinic, making an impact to countless beneficiaries in Australia and New Zealand.

Our recent clinic in Melbourne provided 645 beneficiaries with access to life changing eyecare services with 93% of patients seen across the week requiring eyeglasses.

John Mirabile, a Senior Case Worker for the Salvation Army, shared how much the clinic meant to beneficiaries, “It’s important for them to be able to access services that are being provided today because these people are struggling (without good vision).”

image (17)

The Positive Impact of Vision Clinics on an Individual and Global Level

The importance of good vision cannot be understated. It allows individuals to learn better, be safe and promotes a more inclusive society.

Without access to vision care and glasses for those who need it, individuals face barriers to education and employment, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting their potential.

image (6)

A beneficiary attending the clinic shared, “I can see. Things are more beautiful now. I knew my eyes were buggy, but it’s good to finally know I was right. I've been meaning to check my eyes for so long, but after paying so much for my daughter’s glasses, I just didn’t rush it.”

Golnaz Ikhan Bakhtiari, a Doorways Coordinator for the Salvation Army in Australia underscored the importance of this work “There are many busy people and sometimes there are financial burdens (that prevent people from getting glasses).”

Recognizing the impact of physical access, financial resources or stigma against glasses-wearing, the Foundation is working to eliminate the barriers that prevent people from accessing the vision care they need around the globe.

image (7)

Vision Clinics from a Volunteer’s Perspective

While our clinics provide beneficiaries with the life-changing benefit of seeing clearly, they leave a lasting impact on volunteers as well.

Joanne McLean, a Financial Shared Services Director at EssilorLuxottica and volunteer for the Foundation shared, “Being in a situation where you’re able to help them, even if it is just with a pair of glasses and a hug – it's an amazing opportunity.”

image (8)

With the support of Joanne – and thousands of volunteers like her – we are able successfully help people globally ‘see more and be more’.

Catch the highlights from the clinic in the video below:

Partnering with The Salvation Army to Provide Vision Care for Beneficiaries in Australia

Latest articles

Latest articles