Q . Transitions recently unveiled a new campaign aimed at Millennials . How important is the Millennial generation to the future of Essilor Canada ?
A . We know that Canadians have visual needs that impact their lives , their ability to learn and perform . This is why at Essilor Canada , our mission of improving lives by improving sight is the driving force behind everything we do . The younger generations , Millennials ( Gen-Y ) and Centennials ( Gen-Z ), are the future of our industry . We estimate that they could represent a potential of nine million wearers . Getting to know them better can provide eyecare professionals with a sustainable competitive advantage both as an employer and a vision care provider . It is therefore important to understand their needs and behaviours , which are totally different from their elders ’, and develop new ways to attract and retain them since they will become the eyecare professionals and progressive lens wearers of tomorrow .
Q . Can you tell us about your new Transitions campaign for children ?
A . There is a significant opportunity to correct and protect children ’ s vision . We know that 25 per cent of school-age children in Canada need vision correction and do not have it today , which represents two million children with uncorrected vision 1 . Good vision is essential for learning , development and performance in school because 80 per cent of a child ’ s learning before the age of 12 comes through his eyes 2 . And finally , children are the most sensitive population segment to harmful light from UV rays and blue light , with exposure three times higher than that of adults . Indeed , children ’ s eyes continue to develop until 10 years of age . They are more fragile than adults ’ eyes , and their crystalline lens allows up to seven times more harmful rays to enter their eyes than that of adults 3 . It is , therefore , essential to protect children ’ s eyes all year long . Transitions lenses are an ideal choice for Gen Z because they help protect from UV rays , harmful blue light from digital devices and bright sun , all of which damage kids ’ eyes even more than adults ’. To help eyecare professionals better understand and treat young wearers , Transitions Optical has released new resources featuring staff education marketing materials and practice resources . The kids ’ resources can be viewed and downloaded by visiting Transitions . com / Kids .
In addition to this campaign , because we feel a sense of responsibility towards the future of our country and of our industry , Essilor Canada has partnered for the past 10 years with local optometrists and opticians , non-governmental organizations , and associations to
increase access to vision testing and eyeglasses for children in need . We believe that by working together we can make a difference in the community .
Q . There has been a lot of talk about the dangers of blue light . Considering the use of laptops and cellphones are on the rise , how serious of an issue do you see this as being for Canadians in the future and how focused is your company on continuing design solutions ?
A . Blue light is often associated exclusively with electronic devices and screens , however , the sun is the largest source of blue light , emitting over 100 times the intensity of electronic devices and screens . Therefore it is important to protect one ’ s eyes from blue light both indoors and outdoors , all year long , and from a young age since its damaging effects are cumulative over a lifetime . The increasing usage of digital devices ( laptop , smartphones , tablets , television ), especially among younger generations , has an impact on their lifestyle and visual health :
6 EYE FOCUS December Digital 2017