Essilor Honors Optometry Schools With 2007 Optical Technology Grants

02/14/2008

DALLAS – (February 14, 2008) – Essilor of America, Inc. announced today the recipients of its 2007 Essilor Optical Technology Grants. The grants are awarded to schools and colleges of optometry that exhibit their commitment to growing the industry through new advancements and technology.

This year’s winners included:

• University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Optometry: received $20,000 for a new edger

• Southern California College of Optometry: received $20,000 for a new edger, tracer and blocker

• Illinois College of Optometry and Northeastern State University (tie): each received $10,000 to purchase software for their respective schools

“We are excited to honor these four schools for their outstanding contributions to developing the industry leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Rodney Tahran, Essilor of America vice president of professional relations and clinical affairs. “Essilor continues to make these grants available to deserving institutions, demonstrating our commitment to supporting education programs that are dedicated to furthering the optical industry.”

Essilor, in its sixth year of awarding these grants to optometry schools, has given more than $360,000 to schools across the nation. Entry requirements included a 1,000-word application detailing why the school felt it needed, and deserved, the grant.

Applications were judged based on the school’s commitment to the growth of premium optical technology, as well as how the grant money would help the school elevate the standards and visibility of ophthalmic dispensing for students and patients. The panel of judges was comprised of Essilor executives and independent optometrists. Funds were distributed by December 31, 2007.

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Essilor is the leading manufacturer of optical lenses in the United States and is the market leader in progressive,  high-index and anti-reflective coated lenses. A pioneer in the development and production of ophthalmic lenses,  Essilor employs more than 8,500 people throughout North America. Essilor manufactures optical lenses under the  Varilux®, Crizal®, Thin&Lite®, DEFINITY™ and other Essilor brand names. Essilor Laboratories of America (ELOA) is the largest, and most trusted, optical lab network in the U.S. and offers a wide choice of services and lens brands, including Essilor premium lenses, to eye care professionals across the nation. Essilor of America, Inc. (Essilor) is a  subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International, S.A., the worldwide leader in ophthalmic lenses and a publicly held company traded on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (Reuters: ESSI.PA).

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Varilux, Crizal and DEFINITY are registered trademarks of Essilor International, S.A. Thin&Lite is a registered trademark of Essilor of America, Inc.