38 COVER TOPIC SOCIAL PURPOSE How Optical Companies Are Working to Contribute to the ‘Greater Good of the World’

GWENDOLYN PLUMMER / ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND MARK TOSH/ SENIOR EDITOR

t’s been 50 years since the renowned econo- of purpose” has not gone unnoticed by optical more than 1 million pairs of eyeglasses to individu- mist Milton Friedman published his signature companies, eyecare professionals, opticians and als in need since its debut in 2007. The goal of I 1970 essay, “The Social Responsibility of Busi- others in the optical community. For example, eliminating poor vision from the world by 2050 will ness Is to Increase its Profits,” inThe New York many opticians and ODs volunteer their time to require an investment of $14 billion over the next 30 Times. The world has certainly changed over the participate in mission trips to far-off places where years, according to Essilor’s groundbreaking report past five decades, as has the view of the role busi- eye exams are not a routine event, or to support “Eliminating Poor Vision in a Generation.” ness should play in a more socially conscious, their vendor partners in programs that take vi- VSP Global’s Eyes of Hope initiative has a simi- consumer-empowered world. But one thing has re- sion care to the places and people most in need. lar mission, and the program provides access to mained fairly consistent: businesses are powerful. But a range of optical companies across the U.S. eyecare, eyewear and disaster relief where they’re Indeed, perhaps more powerful than ever, accord- play a leading role in the effort to address vision needed most. Working with VSP network doctors, ing to a Kantar Consulting report, “Purpose 2020 care and to emphasize environmental and social Eyes of Hope has provided access to no-cost eyec- – Inspiring Purpose-Led Growth.” issues at home. are and eyewear for more than 2 million people. However, people today expect companies to use “I have always thought it is important for every Independent non-profit OneSight started small this power responsibly, the Kantar report stated, organization to consciously address the question, in 1988 with an idea to give away 25 pairs of glass- adding that 61 percent of millennials and 53 per- ‘In what way are we uniquely qualified to contrib- es to local kids who couldn’t afford them, and now cent of middle-age Americans like brands that ute to the greater good of the world?’” National has grown to a program that has impacted 21 mil- “have a point of view and stand for something.” Vision chief executive Reade Fahs said. “National lion people in 49 countries. Its goal is “to eradicate Or as BlackRock chief executive officer Larry Fink Vision is all about making eyecare and eyewear the vision care crisis for good.” wrote in one of his recent annual letters on corpo- more affordable and accessible.” Indeed, for optical companies, demonstrating rate governance, “Without a sense of purpose, no The Essilor Vision Foundation also is a leader in commitment to programs that extend access to company, either public or private, can achieve its working to eliminate poor vision and to provide un- eyecare and eyewear to the areas of the world full potential. It will ultimately lose the license to derprivileged people the opportunity to live a better where they are in need—along with other so- operate from key stakeholders.” life through better sight. The Foundation, a public, cially responsible initiatives—is more the rule This requirement for operating with a “sense nonprofit organization based in Dallas, has provided Continued on page 44 39 A Greater Vision

Providing Vision Care to Change the Lives of People Near and Far

t makes sense that many eyewear and eyecare more than $1 million worth of goods and services companies ground their social purpose initia- were gifted by the two organizations, according to I tives in the industries in which they work and an announcement at the time. are most familiar. To give back to vision-related VSP Eyes of Hope is supported by 8,500 VSP charities is invaluably important across the globe— network doctors, who are annually involved with and, for many of these companies, just makes per- providing support and access to care to those in fect sense. need. In addition, 119,000 community members af- Through vision-based social purpose initiatives, fected by disaster have gained access to eyecare the eyecare and eyewear industries are able to and replacement eyewear, VSP noted. bring the gift of sight to people both locally and “VSP Eyes of Hope is core to our mission of fessionals, teachers, parents and their communities on a global level, and companies big and small do helping people see,” Michael Guyette, president to become advocates for vision care to help mil- their part in equal measure—all for a greater vision. and chief executive officer of VSP Global, said. “By lions more. One of the leaders in this effort is VSP Eyes of partnering with VSP network doctors, we’re able to Among the other highlights of Essilor Vision Hope, an organization fully funded by VSP Global bring access to no-cost eyecare and eyewear where Foundation’s efforts this year was the work under which supports communities by providing access it’s needed most, including those disadvantaged by the “Changing Life through Lenses” program, which to eyecare, eyewear and disaster relief where it’s income, disaster or distance.” provides free frames and lenses for patients in needed most. Working with VSP network doctors, Also working to support schools and students need when an OD donates an eye exam. As of late VSP Eyes of Hope initiatives have provided access this year was the Essilor Vision Foundation, which November, more than 2,000 ODs were enrolled in to no-cost eyecare and eyewear for more than 2.5 has now provided more than 1 million pairs of the program, serving patients with 125,000 pairs million people in need. eyeglasses to individuals in need since its debut of glasses. in 2007. In July 2019, Essilor Vision Foundation The year 2019 also was a milestone year for the awarded the one-millionth pair of glasses to ador- Alcon/Orbis International partnership, which cele- able first-grader Khloe, whom the foundation said brated the 40th anniversary of the partnership dur- represents the estimated 10 million children in the ing an Orbis eyecare program in Mandalay, Myan- U.S. who can’t see clearly and need vision care. mar. “In addition to its longevity, this partnership In recognition of hitting the one million mark, is notable because of its scope,” a spokeswoman the Foundation launched its year-long “One Million told Vision Monday. Magic Moments” campaign, noting that “every time “We support Orbis with product donations (in- a child like Khloe receives a pair of eyeglasses, cluding equipment and consumables), monetary magic happens.” Glasses provide magic moments donations and volunteers. The Flying Eye Hospi- throughout a child’s life, from seeing the board in tal has a surgical suite fully outfitted with Alcon school and catching a ball to seeing a loved one’s equipment and Alcon biomedical technicians travel In August, Eyes of Hope teamed with GLAM- smile, the Foundation noted. This campaign cel- to Orbis programs to train participating eyecare 4GOOD to host in Paradise, Calif., a unique back- ebrates these magic moments experienced by chil- professionals on our equipment. We also support to-school experience for 300 students and teachers, dren across the U.S. who can proudly say “I am one Orbis’ hands-on training programs, as well as con- many of whom lost everything in the Camp Fire that in a million.” tent development for online learning courses,” the had swept through the community months earlier. “Many people cannot imagine living in a world spokeswoman added. VSP Eyes of Hope and GLAM4GOOD worked with where everything is blurred, and may be surprised In 1979, Alcon and Orbis began partnering to local volunteer VSP network doctors and communi- to learn that one in four children in the U.S. has a help people in developing countries where blind- ty volunteers who were also affected by the Camp vision problem that’s significant enough to affect ness is widespread. Nearly 90 percent of the world’s Fire to provide hundreds of students and teach- their ability to learn,” said Becky Palm, president blind and visually impaired people live in low- and ers with free eye exams, glasses, new wardrobes, and executive director of the Foundation. She also middle-income countries and have limited access accessories and personal care essentials. In total, noted that the Foundation encourages eyecare pro- Continued on page 42

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Continued from page 39 season. Each store has been given vouchers to use in to health care services. local, community outreach with local schools, social Orbis is a non-governmental organization dedi- workers and school nurses, among others. cated to saving sight worldwide by training eye National Vision also is a key supporter of Boys & professionals in underserved communities. Alcon Girls Clubs of America. “We think of ourselves as a biomedical engineers and technicians share their fast-growing business engine that, in turn, also fuels technical skills and knowledge to help Orbis part- a fast-growing philanthropic mission,” chief execu- ners operate and maintain equipment and local tive officerReade Fahs said. “We partner with orga- eyecare infrastructure. nizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a number of schools to bring exams and glasses to lower-income children in America, and we partner with VisionSpring and RestoringVision to address the problem of the lack of affordable glasses in low income communities throughout the world.” 2019 also was a busy year for independent non- profit OneSight, which counts new clinic locations, TOMS, who made waves first as a one-for-one the completion and transfer of a permanent, self-sus- shoe company, extended the same practice to their taining vision care infrastructure and its first public art eyewear in 2011. For each pair of frames purchased, installation as some of the year’s highlights. Toms contributes toward full eye exams, sight- In May, OneSight and National Geographic host- saving surgeries, prescription glasses or medical In addition, the Alcon Foundation sponsors Orbis ed a global vision care panel that brought together treatments for underserved populations. So far, training programs in countries that include China, several thought-leaders to consider topics such a company spokesperson told Vision Monday, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, as defining lack of access, explaining the impact “TOMS’ eyewear sales have contributed to more Panama, Peru and Vietnam. of clear sight, the implications of technology, and than 780,000 sight restorations and established 37 On the retail side of optical, the Eyeglass World the role of public-private partnerships. In addition, sustainable vision centers.” unit of National Vision produced 48,000 pairs of Pulitzer Prize winning and National Geographic TOMS dedicates efforts to a variety of social pur- eyeglasses annually as part of a new “Made Lo- photographer, Stephanie Sinclair, chronicled and pose initiatives in addition to their one-for-one eye- cally, Given Globally” program, which was piloted showcased her favorite images from aOneSight ex- wear model. Recently, the company rolled out an in 2019 and launched this year nationwide. Here’s pedition through the Amazon and Rwanda. End Gun Violence Together campaign, calling for an how it works: When a customer makes an eyeglass “Looking back, 2019 has been a pivotal year for end to the gun violence epidemic in the U.S., and purchase at Eyeglass World, the retailer handcrafts OneSight and the vision care cause,” K-T Overbey, the company has provided over 722,000 weeks of a pair of eyeglasses in its in-store lab in a prescrip- president and executive director for OneSight, told safe water for those who lack access through their tion that is most needed around the world. These Vision Monday. “Our MOU signing in The Gambia TOMS Roasting Co. coffee sales. custom-made glasses are then donated to those in was more than a moment—it was the realization of 141 Eyewear also employs the one-for-one mod- need in countries around the world. years of work, a collaboration of local and global el, giving a new pair of glasses to a person in need The program is run in partnership with 20/20 partners and a testament to our sustainable clinic for each 141 pair purchased. 141 donates the same Quest, a National Vision sponsored charitable foun- model. Armed with the learnings from this success- glasses they sell, and many of 141’s donated frames dation. The eyeglasses are distributed to people in ful pilot program, we’re planning to complete our go to the Seattle/King County Clinic—an event at need around the globe via partners at RestoringVi- second country in 2020 and scale the model to the Seattle Center which brings together a variety sion, according to a spokeswoman. bring access to those in need around the world.” of health care organizations, civic agencies, non- National Vision also is active in the U.S. with lo- She added, “As we’ve dedicated ourselves to profits, volunteers, and businesses for a four-day cal community outreach, including an Atlanta school permanent and equitable access through our sus- free health clinic. event with its America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses tainable programming, we’ve also addressed imme- A company spokesperson told Vision Monday business segment. And as part of its #Giving Tuesday diate need through our charitable clinics, focusing that 141 has donated 1,500 frames to the Seattle/ support, America’s Best stores reach out in their local especially on displaced and migrant populations in King County Clinic each year for the past four years. communities to help kids in need during the holiday Jordan, Thailand and Colombia. Continued on page 44

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Continued from page 42 lier this fall. ABSee is on a mission to provide eye The spokesperson explained that opticians who re- exams and glasses to children in neighborhoods ceive their donations are often “thrilled to have 141 across North America where Pearle Vision EyeCare donate so many frames since the quality and style Centers are located. ABSee provides no-cost access of our frames work so much better for their patients to eyecare and corrective eyewear to children. On than the second-hand and old/discontinued prod- World Sight Day, volunteers from Pearle Vision and uct they were used to receiving.” OneSight worked together to provide eye exams

Photo by: Auston James and glasses to hundreds of students at Earle Brown Elementary School in Brooklyn Center, Minn., the first of 10 planned vision care clinics. ABSee clinics already have been held in Las Ve- gas, Minneapolis and Chicago with life-changing results – hundreds of children in need went home In addition, many of 141’s accounts use 141 with the glasses they needed the same day. One the organization will continue to expand its reach frames as part of their own community outreach in four children has an undiagnosed vision issue, to even more regions of the East African country in programs. A company spokesperson explained, “I according to the American Optometric Association. the coming years. think they appreciate that we are giving the same SkyGen International Foundation, the philan- “We could not be more honored and humbled frame they are selling off their own boards—so they thropic arm of health care benefits technology to make positive changes to people’s lives through know they can give away a good quality product to company SkyGen USA, also works toward improv- these vision services and glasses,” Sweeney said. folks in need within their very own community… At ing communities around the world, primarily in “Being able to see can be the difference between the end of the day, we all want to do well and we Tanzania. Since July 2018, SkyGen International has being employed or unemployed, getting an edu- all want to improve our community.” provided more than 100,000 Tanzanians with free cation or not getting an education. By enabling Pearle Vision also is active in the effort to provide vision tests and distributed more than 22,500 pairs people to see, we’re able to make extremely im- eye exams to school children through its ABSee of free prescription glasses. pactful changes to individuals, their families and, program, which was launched as a collaborative Executive director Lisa Sweeney, who previously ultimately, entire communities throughout Tanza- effort by Pearle Vision and nonprofit OneSight ear- had been chief financial officer of SkyGen USA, said nia,” she said. n

How Optical Companies Are Working to Contribute to the ‘Greater Good of the World’

Continued from page 38 they have endorsed principles of shareholder pri- tion’s new governance statement better reflects rather than the exception. This special section macy. However, with the August update, the CEO the way corporations should operate today. “It highlights some of the optical companies taking group outlined a modern standard for corporate affirms the essential role corporations can play in the lead in these programs – from Alcon and responsibility, a standard that commits companies improving our society when CEOs are truly com- Bausch + Lomb to Marcolin and Kering – and the to operate for the benefit of “all stakeholders,” in- mitted to meeting the needs of all stakeholders.” ways in which the optical community has come cluding customers, employees, suppliers and com- (Gorsky chairs the Roundtable’s corporate gover- together to work toward a greater good. munities—not just the shareholders. nance committee.) Among the updates is a commitment to support This month, Vision Monday for its December is- A New View of the Corporation the communities in which the companies operate. sue has compiled a rundown of a few of the opti- The growing importance of corporate responsibil- “We respect the people in our communities and cal community’s businesses that are demonstrat- ity was further demonstrated in August, when the protect the environment by embracing sustainable ing commitment and action toward social purpose. Business Roundtable issued an updated “State- practices across our businesses,” the Roundtable’s These programs are highlighted in the following ment on the Purpose of a Corporation.” Since updated statement noted. pages and reflect the ways in which companies be- 1978, the Roundtable group has been issuing Johnson & Johnson chairman and chief execu- lieve socially responsible actions may play a more guidance on corporate governance, but typically tive Alex Gorsky said he believes the organiza- important role in their future success. n

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Optical Companies See Benefits of Working to ‘Protect the Planet’

ustainability is a word that’s talked about B+L senior director, professional strategy, Jill Saxon, reduced our carbon footprint over the past 10 years often today, but in reality it’s a complex OD, said during a recent joint event with TerraCycle. by prioritizing energy efficiency in our production S concept that touches upon many aspects “Coupling the continued demand and growth technology and harnessing renewable energy with of daily living. Perhaps the most-often quoted defi- of daily disposable lenses, and our continuous wind turbines and solar power in the U.S. and the nition of sustainability comes from the U.N. World effort to become a more environmentally sustain- United Kingdom,” the company said. Commission on Environment and Development: able company, we recognized this opportunity and “By further reducing secondary packaging for our “Sustainable development is development that quickly sought a solution.” all of products, we have made significant headway meets the needs of the present without compro- Saxon noted that early in the process of work- in reducing the impact of shipping, distribution, en- mising the ability of future generations to meet ing with TerraCycle, B+L learned that contact lenses ergy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.” their own needs.” are part of what is considered a forgotten waste Today, 90 percent of J&J’s raw materials are re- In addition, most agree that sustainable prac- stream—items many people never thought about cycled, and it continues to explore better solutions tices are those that support ecological, human, in terms of recyclability. “We also learned that, sur- to drive single-use plastic recycling and packaging and economic health and vitality. “Sustainability prisingly, even though the material used to manu- material optimization. The company also created presumes that resources are finite, and should be facture contact lenses, blister packs and top foils Earthwards, a program dedicated to designing used conservatively and wisely with a view to long- are recyclable, the materials don’t end up being more sustainable products and brainstorming in- term priorities and consequences of the ways in recycled if placed in standard municipality recycling novative product improvements. which resources are used,” according to the UCLA bins due to their small size.” Sustainability committee. Many companies in the Another company that has incorporated recycling optical industry follow this philosophy. and environmental protection into its DNA is SOLO Among the companies at the forefront of this ef- Eyewear. Each pair of SOLO sunglasses is construct- fort is Bausch + Lomb, which for the past few years ed using repurposed bamboo or recycled plastic, has been collaborating with TerraCycle on a popular which the company noted reduces the carbon foot- print and prevents hundreds of pounds of virgin materials from being produced each year. SOLO said it repurposes packing materials and defective sunglasses for parts in new production. In addition, SOLO donates 10 percent of profits to the funding of eye exams, eyeglasses and cataract surgeries, which it believes has led to restored vi- sion for 13,000-plus people in need. SOLO has part- nerships with Aravind Eye Care System and Restor- ing Vision, and has worked to improve vision for people in 32 countries to date. Multi-national vision care companies such as Johnson & Johnson Vision also are active in the area of sustainability across an array of programs. J&J Vision said that, working with its employees and external partners, it has achieved a “strong re- One of the most intensive optical company ef- contact lens recycling program. “Before the ONE by cord of protecting the planet” and is committed to forts around the idea of sustainability are the ONE Recycling program, we would routinely hear further reducing its environmental impact. programs undertaken by CooperVision, which is from doctors and patients of the concern they had J&J Vision is focusing on three specific areas in working diligently to increase its efforts around en- for the waste that contact lenses and their packag- this effort: climate, waste reduction and protec- vironmental initiatives in specific key areas—saving ing created, particularly daily disposable lenses,” tion of natural resources. “We have significantly Continued on page 48

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Continued from page 46 Costa. The company’s vice president of marketing, water, conserving energy, and reducing, reusing and TJ McMeniman, explained, “Sustainability initiatives recycling resources. are not just ‘important’ to Costa—they are an inte- CooperVision’s parent company, The Cooper Com- gral part of our DNA. That is why we are not only panies, earlier this year announced its alignment working to improve our own practices as a com- with the United Nations Sustainable Development pany but also believe firmly in using our resources Goals (SDGs). It subsequently, published a series to help others build out their own sustainability of short videos relating to these sustainability pro- practices to protect our waterways.” grams. The company noted that it believes providing Thema Optical is another company that has part- access to the videos, even in their short form, will nered with TerraCycle to further their sustainability resonate more meaningfully with eyecare profession- efforts. Under the company’s new recycling pro- als, partners and others around the world. gram, Thema is able to recycle the excess acetate “Our support for the SDGs represents our long- created in their production methods. The acetate is term view of what it means to be a global medical then processed into sheets and used to make new device company in the world today,” Cooper Com- acetate products. panies president and chief executive Albert White Giulia Valmassoi, CEO of Thema Optical’s North said at the time. “Through our efforts to contrib- American division explained, “Thema is a global ute to achievement of the SDGs, Cooper is helping company that respects the importance of social re- to address the needs of the planet and of people around the world.” CooperVision also was recently recognized for a contact lens rebate donation program that per- Vision Expo West, Costa expanded the program, mits consumers to designate a portion of their CL allowing optical labs to send both their plastic rebates as a donation to Optometry Giving Sight waste and dry plastic finishing, or swarf, to se- (OGS). In the past eight years, donations to the lect Piedmont Plastics locations for recycling and program has resulted in more than $800,000 do- repurposing. This is an expansion from two to 13 nated to OGS. labs that accept optical discarded plastic in the CooperVision’s Melissa Kiewe, senior director continental U.S. of customer marketing, told Vision Monday she To date, Costa told Vision Monday, “the Kick believes the rebate program and partnership with Plastic Lens Recycling Program has facilitated the OGS dovetails nicely with CooperVision’s own cor- recycling and repurposing of over 2,200 pounds of porate responsibility efforts. “It’s an actual fit with discarded plastic lenses, with the number growing what CooperVision cares about and really gives the every day. This is in addition to over 22 tons (ap- patients an option of ‘paying forward’ the improve- proximately 44,000 pounds) of plastic lenses pro- ment in how they see to help improve how other cessed from Costa’s Daytona Beach labs.” people see around the world. We’re definitely very In addition, Costa is dedicated to a Kick Plastic proud of [this program].” initiative to reduce the amount of single use plas- Costa is a frame company which has long been tic the company uses. As part of this program, the sponsibility. Vowing to be a sustainable company committed to environmental causes, particularly company has onboarded over 700 ECPs into the through our eco-friendly production process and water-related ones. In fact, the company calls pro- Kick Plastic Ambassador program: a commitment recycling program was an easy decision when we tecting the watery world “one of Costa’s main brand from the ECPs to ask their patients to be part of knew the significant impact it would make.” values.” the movement, Kick Plastic Ambassadors receive For Marcolin, sustainability comes into play both In 2019, Costa kicked off their Kick Plastic Lens a special designation on the Costa dealer locator on a corporate level and within their brand portfo- Recycling program at Vision Expo East, an effort website, as well as Kick Plastic water bottles for lio. Marcolin Group collaborates with Positive Luxury, that encourages ECPs to collect, recycle and re- their staff and communication materials. purpose plastic lenses, both clear and sun. At These initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg for Continued on page 50

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Continued from page 48 which awards their Butterfly Mark, “a symbol of trust GOOD, encapsulates these efforts, and so do the earned by brands that have adopted sustainabil- company’s sustainable practices, which include ity as a business strategy,” explained CEO Mas- “the conscious use of resources,” regional pro- simo Renon. In February, Positive Luxury will host duction in Austria, and support of “nonprofit proj- their first-ever Positive Luxury Awards, with the ects revitalizing nature in urban environments.” Innovation of the Year award sponsored by Mar- neubau eyewear is constructed of naturalPX, colin Group. an eco-friendly material made from organically On the brand level, Marcolin USA’s Timberland sourced and renewable primary products (mostly is particularly dedicated to sustainable initiatives. oil extracted from the seeds of castor oil plants) Timberland in particular, Marcolin USA CEO Davide and neubau aims for sustainability in their pack- Rettore said, “aims to be the largest, most sus- aging, printed and in-store materials as well. tainable outdoor lifestyle brand on the planet.” A company spokesperson explained, “We The brand’s Earthkeepers collection frames are strive to treat our environment with the utmost made with bio-based plastic obtained from the consideration, knowing that there are already bean seeds of a castor plant, and the accompa- many accomplishments to look back on—but nying cases are comprised of 70 percent recycled even more that lie ahead. It is our continuous material, Rettore explained. effort to improve and our ambitious goals that In addition, Marcolin’s suppliers and factory with D.C. based nonprofit, Trees for the Future, for define us.” supply chains are audited routinely to ensure they every Eco frame sold. To date, Modo said, they’ve Sustainable eyewear is also at the core of what meet guidelines to reduce environmental hazards planted more than 2 million trees. Proof Eyewear, an Idaho based company found- for both the employees and the local community. Modo describes the Eco One Frame—One Tree ed in 2011, does. All Proof frames are created In addition, Rettore said, Marcolin USA partners program as an answer to the question, “how to using eco-friendly materials, including sustain- with Timberland internally for in-office initiatives in- do good with our eyewear?” A spokesperson for cluding “recycling, plastic bottle elimination in the the brand explained, “Planting one tree for every cafeteria, community service and cleaning, and semi- frame sold seemed to be the best way to connect nars for the employees to raise awareness, with the our social mission to the brand core message. final objective to be guided by a higher purpose.” To make this happen, we started our partnership with the NGO Trees for the Future. Since then we planted more than 2 million trees—and that num- ber just keeps growing.” This year, Modo has also worked to raise the volume on this initiative, after hearing feedback that they haven’t been “loud enough” in the past. Now, Modo offers marketing materials focused on their social purpose initiatives, which help ECPs tell their story. Modo Global CEO Alessandro Lanaro told Vi- sion Monday, “We have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than how we found it. Together with Trees for the Future, One Frame, One Tree is making a positive impact not only on ably sourced wood, biodegradable cotton-based Much of the sustainability work at Modo is the environment, but for the people” acetate, and recycled aluminum. In addition, $10 channeled through their brand Eco, which produc- Silhouette’s neubau also aims to set “high envi- of each frame purchase goes directly to the com- es eyewear made of 95 percent recycled or bio- ronmental standards,” a company spokesperson pany’s Do Good Program, which gives back to based materials. In addition, Modo plants a tree told Vision Monday. The brand’s motto, SEE & DO Continued on page 52

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Continued from page 50 in three main ways, a company spokesperson IPBES Trust Fund by Kering,” Kering reported on various local and global projects. told Vision Monday. These are: reducing plastic its website. March 2020 will mark Proof’s ninth annual Do waste, creating living-wage jobs, and establish- And, at Shanghai Fashion Week, Kering held Good project—right now, Proof customers can ing a new circular economy for the future of Flint. a “K Generation Talk & Award Ceremony” to go online to vote between Morocco, Samoa, and As part of that commitment, Genusee designed recognize sustainable innovation in China. The Cambodia. Once a country is chosen, Proof will a buy-back program through which the company ceremony was in partnership with Plug and partner with HELP International and Art of Visu- buys back used eyewear for a credit toward the Play, and recognized three Chinese startups, Me- als to develop a project that will allow them to customers’ next pair of glasses. lephant, Heyuan and FeiLiu Technology “for their support and give back to people in need. Within the luxury sector, Kering Group, includ- disruptive innovations addressing sustainability A company spokesperson explained, “We ded- ing Kering Eyewear, have also shown a dedica- challenges in the textile value chain,” said Ker- icate ourselves to creating sustainable change tion toward building a more sustainable future. ing on their website. related to economic development, environmen- This year, Kering’s chairman and CEO François- This is just a small sampling of Kering’s sus- tal conservation, education, and visual health. Henri Pinault was one of the 32 original signa- tainability initiatives—the brand’s sustainability Working together with the people of the country tories of The Fashion Pact, a movement led by officer and head of international institutional we have chosen, the projects are designed to French president Emmanuel Macron to align the affairs, Marie-Claire Daveu, heads up the com- help to co-create change and empower the peo- fashion industry with the UN’s Sustainable De- pany’s commitment to sustainability, which has ple… Just like our glasses, our Do Good projects velopment Goals. The signatories will report on three pillars: care, collaborate, and create. are not one-size-fits-all, our efforts specifically their progress in September 2020. In 2019, Kering was ranked the second most catered to the needs of individuals and com- In addition, Kering was also part of the In- sustainable company in the world across all sec- munities of each country.” tergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and tors in the 2019 Corporate Knights Global 100 Flint, Michigan-based Genusee makes their Ecosystem Services’ (PPBES) first-ever private ranking. The company also runs the Kering Foun- eyewear from recycled single-use plastic water sector partnership. The partnership includes a dation, which aims to combat violence against bottles. Genusee is focused on effecting change “significant non-earmarked contribution to the women. n

What Does it Mean to Be a ‘Just’ Company?

ocial purpose may be a large and unwieldy Americans want corporations to stop prioritizing ries, and second when it comes to workers and the phrase, but it’s not exactly vague. Rather, shareholders and instead put workers, custom- environment. The top 10 for 2020 are: Microsoft, S it’s pretty straightforward to determine ers, communities, and the environment at the NVIDIA Corp, Apple, Intel, Salesforce, Alphabet, An- what does and doesn’t count as a social purpose heart of just business practices.” them, PayPal, Procter & Gamble and VMware. Ap- initiative, when it comes down to it. But things get Based on this response, JUST ranks each compa- ple, Salesforce, Anthem, and PayPal are first-timers a little more complicated when it comes to label- ny by taking a look at a few categories: how it in- in the top 10 ranking. ling a company or an initiative as “just” overall. vests in its employees, how it treats its customers, But even smaller players can learn from JUST’s For the past five years, JUST Capital has sur- how it supports its communities, how it reduces its 2020 rankings. It’s encouraging to know that con- veyed nearly 100,000 Americans in an attempt environmental impact and how it delivers value to sumers value companies which give back and take to determine what they want from corporate his shareholders. initiative when it comes to doing good. And, many America, and each year they rank the country’s So which companies do this best? And how do of the world’s most powerful companies are pow- “most just” companies based on these results. As they do it? erful because consumers trust them—with their JUST wrote in their report, “Announcing the 2020 Microsoft takes the top spot in 2020 for the sec- business, and with the mark they might leave on Rankings of America’s Most JUST Companies,” it’s ond year in a row, this time with an overall score the world. pretty clear what Americans want. JUST writes, of 78.8 out of 100. They are first in the industry in The full list of JUST’s 2020 Overall Rankings is “The response has been clear and consistent. the customer, community and shareholder catego- available online at justcapital.com/rankings n

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Optical Firms Support a Range of Community Programs That Define Goals of ‘Social Purpose’

any companies’ social purpose cam- conjunction with Pride, shot by Justin J Wee annual donation of over 60,000 optical frames paigns can’t fit into just one cate - and featuring eight New York-based LGBTQIA+ and sunglasses as part of the Special Olym - M gory. After all, there are countless influencers wearing Polaroid sunglasses in the pics vision screening program, and Safilo em - causes that deserve championing—and the colors of the rainbow. In addition, Lady Gaga ployees taking part in the implementation of eyewear and eyecare industries have many of performed at The Sonewall Inn during Pride, the Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International them covered. From animal welfare to Pride, wearing a pair of Polaroid sunglasses. Opening Eyes events as volunteers. there’s no shortage of ways companies across This inclusive and progressive move is ClearVision channels their social purpose the industry are giving back and doing their aligned with Polaroid’s brand history. Victoria initiatives through CVO Cares, an internal com - part to make a difference in our world. Hallberg, chief marketing officer, Safilo North mittee made up of volunteers from across the In the summer of 2019, Safilo’s Polaroid America, explained, “Inclusivity is closely company. CVO Cares fields requests and ideas Eyewear sponsored and took part in NYC Pride linked to Polaroid’s brand DNA; its founder for social purpose campaigns from throughout (simultaneously U.S. Worldpride), and Stone- Edwin Land, inventor of polarized lenses was, the company, and coordinates activities. wall 50, the celebration and recognition of in fact, among the first enlightened entrepre - the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Upris - neurs to promote the development of wom - ing. The sponsorship included a Polaroid float en’s careers in his company and to offer ‘child in the Pride March route, 400 “friends of the care subsidies,’ in addition to hiring female scientists since the 1940s. In 1991, Polaroid created the first manageri - al development program designed exclusively for women, a path that led to the first woman on the board and to several leading positions at the top of the company. In the ‘80s, Pola - roid was also the first company in the USA to have an assistance program for employees facing domestic violence.” Hallberg continued, “As an authentic and in - clusive brand, Safilo was extremely proud to sponsor 2019 NYC Pride, the first WorldPride

Photo by: Getty Images event to be hosted in the U.S., with our Pola - roid Eyewear brand. We were very excited to In 2019, through CVO Cares, ClearVision has take a corporate partnership in such a special donated time or funds to a variety of organi - year–one that commemorated the 50th anni- zations, including serving hot meals to over versary of the Stonewall Uprising–and support 250 people at the Family Service League shel - the LGBTQI community through meaningful ac- ter on Long Island, hosting a designer sun - tivations. And, we were able to build a more glass sale to raise funds for Optometry Giv - relatable and relevant brand through the cam - ing Sight on World Sight Day, volunteering at paign on our social media platform.” Habitat for Humanity’s “Women’s Build” event, brand” (including Safilo employees) marching In addition to the Pride campaign, Safilo, in hosting a school supplies drive for United Way in Pride and a presence at Pride Island and 2018, committed to a three-year partnership of Long Island, and hosting “Socktober” in the PrideFest. with Special Olympics International, a con- October, to collect socks for the Mary Brennan Polaroid also debuted a new social media tinuation of a relationship that has been in INN, a local homeless shelter. campaign and message, “See Beyond,” in place since 2003. The partnership includes an Continued on page 56

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Continued from page 54 idea that eye exams are important for every - ClearVision considers compassion to be one, not just those who wear glasses or con - one of the company’s core values. A company tacts. Metropolitan Family Services intends to spokesperson told Vision Monday, “Our fam- use the proceeds to support its work to take ily-run company was founded on a desire to care of mental health, financial health, and make a meaningful impact on those around beyond for the children and families it serves us. We want our customers to know that their in and around Chicago. purchases with our brand are making a posi - Offering assistance in California to firefight- tive difference throughout the year. At Clear- ers battling the many forest fires this year, Al- Vision, we authentically live our core values, lergan provided 15,000 bottles of its Refresh and follow a guiding principal that we want to products to Los Angeles’ fire department or- make a positive, meaningful impact on some - ganizations to be distributed to the first re - one each day.” sponders fighting the California wildfires. The “Purpose, passion, style,” is faith-based donation is part of Allergan’s Refresh America Eyes of Faith’s tagline—purpose, a company program, which has donated more than $4.2 spokesperson told Vision Monday, “it’s part million (approximately 290k units) to first re - of our brand DNA—everything we do… is root - sponders across the U.S. since its launch in ed in our purpose.” Eyes of Faith engages in a 2015, according to a spokeswoman. variety of social purpose initiatives, including an ongoing partnership with Wichita Optom- etry that supports a mission trip to Uganda. Eyes of Faith also provides funds to Sight Ministries International to purchase 1,000 new frames and pairs of lenses or 12,000 new sunglasses or reading glasses each year, and the company provides new frames to free eye clinics, and the company’s Wear & Share cam - ing good in the world and the messages that paign to help fund Christian missions. are written right inside each temple. Most recently, Eyes of Faith partnered with “We actively promote our partners and pur- radio host Delilah Renee to create an eyewear pose on our website and through social media collection. Funds from the collection will be outlets—this means opticals can learn about used to build homes for orphaned children at the specific causes our frames support, like Point Hope Village, Ghana, a community cre - homes being built at Delilah’s Point Hope Vil - ated out of Delilah’s Point Hope charity with lage or people receiving glasses on mission the aim of bringing widowed women and or- trips. Patients love to know the real places phaned children together in a safe, positive and real people that their purchase supports.” community with access to water, nutrition and In the Chicago area, Rosin Eyecare an- education. nounced in August a partnership with Metro - Allergan launched the Refresh America cam- Eyes of Faith has found that these programs politan Family Services that allocated a por- paign to help firefighters and other first re - are important both for the people they help, tion of the proceeds from an eye exam at any sponders alleviate their discomfort from dry and the customers and ECPs that Eyes of Faith of the more than 45 Rosin locations to Met - eye during emergency situations. Every pur- works with. A company spokesperson for Eyes ropolitan. The program ran between Sept. 1 chase of specially-marked packages in the Re - of Faith told Vision Monday, “Patients person - and Oct. 19. fresh product line lead to donations of similar ally identify with the fact their purchase is do - The program was designed to promote the eye drops to first responder groups nation -

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wide. Allergan guaranteed a minimum product assessments, he’ll be placed with a visually donation with an approximate retail value of impaired client in need. $250,000. Paws N Claws built its company around ani- In a unique program, Eschenbach Optik of mal welfare, and gives a portion of its pro - America partnered with the Fidelco Guide Dog ceeds to animal charities and animal shelters. Foundation, a nonprofit that works to match Its contributions to the ASPCA have totaled men and women who are blind and visually over $60,000 since the brand was founded in impaired with elite German Shepherd guide 2011. Everything about Paws N Claws comes dogs. Called the Eschenbach Partner Project, back to animal welfare—even their eyewear it - the program is designed to increase indepen - self, branded as “Eyewear for Animal Lovers,” dence and improve the lives of these vision- features animal prints, paw prints and other impaired individuals. design elements related to pets. As a leading manufacturer of vision-enhancing The company was founded by animal lov - products, Eschenbach’s mission is to provide ers Sam and Phyllis Shapiro. President Sam customers with the tools to improve their safety, Shapiro said, “For us, it’s a lifestyle—and not productivity, independence and quality of life. just a buzzword.” Previously, Paws N Claws has donated 5 The company also will include customers in percent of the purchase price of their eyewear, the philanthropic initiative, with a donation of sunglasses and accessories to the ASPCA. $5 for every pair of SU2C glasses purchased Shapiro told Vision Monday, “currently, we are in stores nationwide through early September. searching for a new charitable organization “We are proud to continue our support for a that benefits animals to donate to too.” deserving organization like Stand Up To Can - In addition to these donations, the compa - cer,” chief executive officer Michael Bender ny also provides sunglasses and eyeglass cas - noted. “Our opticians and customers are pas - es to animal shelters and fundraising events sionate about this cause, and it is truly inspir - across the nation, which the shelters and ing to see the amount we are able to raise events can auction off to support their needs. for SU2C.” The company finds that customers are at- ABB Optical Group also has a program in tracted to their brand specifically because of place to support nonprofit organizations. The their mission. Vice president Phyllis Shapiro company recently awarded grants ranging from said, “People that are unable to support their $1,000 to $5,000 to seven charities for out- The Eschenbach Partner Project consists love for animals in other ways are able to do- standing programming and community impact. of a charitable commitment to sponsor the nate through purchasing a pair of Paws N Claws The grants were issued under the auspices of breeding, raising and training of guide dog Eyewear frames or sunglasses. Our eyewear line the Sixth Annual ABB Cares Program, and all of Magno, who is now 14 months old and up is fashionable so customers don’t have to sac- the grant-winners were nominated by eyecare to 74 pounds, according to Eschenbach’s rifice looking good for doing good. And isn’t professionals from across the nation. spokeswoman for the program. “He’s been ‘Wearing and Caring’ what it’s all about?” Since the program’s inception in 2014, ABB traveling a lot with his volunteer puppy raiser Retailer Eyemart Express also is actively Optical Group has donated more than $65,000 and even goes to work with her. He’s been to involved in special causes. In 2019, for the in grants to nonprofit organizations in the local charity events, restaurants, a homecom- fourth consecutive year, the company orga- U.S. “ABB Cares brings the optical industry to - ing football game and has even flown on a nized a fundraiser for the Stand Up To Can - gether to highlight noteworthy organizations plane to Las Vegas,” the spokeswoman noted. cer (SU2C) program across all of its 200-plus that are making a difference in communities Next, Magno will train at the Fidelco ken - stores. It pledged a $10,000 minimum dona - across the country,” chief executive officer nel for six months and, if he passes all of the tion to the effort. Tom Burke said. n

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