Charenton-le-Pont and Paris, France (15 May 2023) – EssilorLuxottica and the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety announce today a partnership that reinforces their commitment to promote good vision on the road. Following the United Nations’ call for its member countries to ensure good vision for all road users in alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals¹, EssilorLuxottica has used its resources and track-record in vision care to promote this important issue.

As part of this collaboration and starting with the UN Global Road Safety Week, on May 15th, EssilorLuxottica launches an awareness campaign to support the United Nations road safety targets and to highlight the call to action: “Check your vision - Drive Safe”. This campaign will be rolled out across EssilorLuxottica’s business networks, in an effort to reach the widest possible audience.

“We are honored to support the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety in promoting better vision for better road safety, in line with both our mission to help people ‘see more and be more’ and our ‘Eyes on the Planet’ sustainability program. It is our collective responsibility together with eye care professionals to share the call to action with consumers across the world, contributing to safer roads”, commented Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica.

“As we start a new Decade of Action for Road Safety, we have a key role to play by our actions at all levels, from authorities to individuals. Like buckling up your safety belt, and wearing a helmet, it is important to check your vision, protect your eyes from glare, wear your prescribed glasses on the road: simple rules can save lives”, commented Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

With up to 90% of the information needed on the road coming through the eyes, good vision is critical for drivers, bikers, cyclists and pedestrians to take safe and appropriate decisions. However, awareness and access to solutions remain overall low: Studies show that accurate vision and glare management are largely under-addressed, with 68% of regular drivers admitting their vision is not perfect for driving or riding in full safety at night and 46%of them during the day. Moreover, 70% of people confirm their vision is hindered by sunlight and 30% by cars’ headlights at night².

EssilorLuxottica has driven significant change in the awareness about the importance of good vision on and off the road, together with strategic global partners, such as the UN and the FIA (Fédération Internationale Automobile). Regular eye exams, accurate vision correction to see clearly at all distances and proper solutions to manage glare both at night and during the day are key to enjoy a safer daily mobility.

Notes

1. The call to ensure good vision for all road users in the world is part of the ITC “Recommendations for Enhancing National Road Safety Systems”, issued in 2020 by the Inland Transport Committee, the United Nations’ regulatory platform in the field of inland transport. It calls countries to adopt specific rules to ensure appropriate vision for all road users as an important lever to achieve this goal.

2. Eyewear Usage and Attitudes 2019 – Brazil, China, India, France and US, wearers and non-wearers aged 5 to 65 – N=14276

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