ABSee: Already changing the lives of children in need

Tyrone had never worn glasses before.

But when a Pearle Vision doctor performed the 8-year-old’s first comprehensive eye exam at an ABSee clinic in Minneapolis on World Sight Day, he found that Tyrone had a -8 prescription. That means without glasses, Tyrone probably could not see something clearly if it were more than 5 inches away.

Tyrone is among the hundreds of students whose lives were changed during three October vision care clinics. Over the next year, ABSee, powered by Pearle Vision and OneSight, will provide no-cost access to eye care and eyewear to children in need in neighborhoods across North America where Pearle Vision EyeCare Centers are located.

Pearle Vision licensed owners have a long history of giving back to their communities, and the company has supported OneSight for many years. With ABSee, Pearle Vision licensed owners have even more opportunities to be good corporate citizens.

The American Optometric Association reports that one in four school-age children in the U.S. has an undiagnosed vision care problem.

During the first three ABSee clinics, held in Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Chicago, the need was much higher:

• Las Vegas: 202 children served; 79% needed glasses
• Minneapolis: 240 children served; 95% needed glasses
• Chicago: 244 children served; 68% needed glasses

“We know that 80% of learning is visual for children, so it’s important for them to be able to see clearly in order to reach their full potential in school and in life,” says Alex Wilkes, General Manager of Pearle Vision. “Unfortunately, we frequently find that a high percentage of children in need have undiagnosed vision care problems. With ABSee, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality eye care and, if they need it, eyewear. Getting a pair of glasses can be life-changing for a child with a vision problem.”

Like Tyrone, the students who were found to need glasses at the ABSee clinics were able to choose their frames from a selection at the clinic and take their new glasses home the same day. Tyrone chose a stylish pair of black frames for his first pair of glasses, and he could not stop smiling at the difference they made.

To learn more about the Pearle Vision franchise opportunity, call 1-800-PEARLE-1.

This is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. Within the U.S.A. and Canada, we offer franchises solely by means of our Franchise Disclosure Document. Certain states in the U.S.A., provinces in Canada, and other countries have laws governing the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states/provinces, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable legal requirements in your state. This information about our franchise opportunity is intended solely for residents of the United States and Canada.