Children in Maskwacîs Receive Eye Exams and Glasses Through Collaboration with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, LensCrafters & Operation Eyesight Universal

Friday, May 9 2025 | 09 h 51 min | News

To help students with undiagnosed vision issues, LensCrafters optometrists and team members recently came together to provide eye exams and glasses to children in Maskwacîs. The clinic was organized by LensCrafters, and the North America affiliate of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, the leading global vision care foundation, with support from Operation Eyesight Universal, a Calgary-based international development organization.

The vision clinic was held April 28 – May 2 at the Nipisihkopahk Elementary School in partnership with the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission. The clinic helped address unresolved vision problems for 500–600 students who may otherwise lack access to eye exams and glasses. Leveraging the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation’s proven clinic model and manufacturing capabilities, most participants in need of glasses received their newly prescribed, quality eyewear on-site.

“This initiative supports student learning by connecting vision care with overall health and education,” said Heather Littlechild, Coordinator of Inclusive Education. “After identifying many students needing glasses, we developed a program rooted in Cree values to promote student well-being and confidence in the classroom. Our partnership with Operation Eyesight, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and LensCrafters provided the care students needed, bringing eye exams and glasses directly to students.”

LensCrafters is deeply committed to giving back to the communities it serves and has a long history of enabling its optometrists and team members to be part of this life-changing work. Over the last decade, LensCrafters has proudly helped raise over $25 million for the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation through customer donations.

“At LensCrafters, we see it as a privilege and a responsibility to engage our doctors and team members in elevating the cause of vision and the impactful work of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation,” said Alfonso Cerullo, President of LensCrafters and For Eyes. “Through the Foundation, we’re able to extend vision care to those who need it most in the communities we serve and better ensure everyone can see more and be more.”

“LensCrafters continues to be a deeply dedicated partner that truly champions the work we do at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation,” said Becky Palm, Executive Director, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation North America. “LensCrafters employees have been tremendous, hands-on supporters of the Foundation for more than 30 years. Thanks to the continued passion of LensCrafters’ leadership, doctors and team members, we’re able to fund and staff critical programs that empower the patients we serve through vision care access.”

To learn more about the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and how to get involved, please visit www.onesight.essilorluxottica.com

Click HERE for the press release.

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