SMITHFIELD, R.I.— FGX International, a leading eyewear designer and marketer, announced that it has donated over 1.5 million pairs of eyewear in 2011 and 2012 to RestoringVision.org. The donation supports RestoringVision.org’s charitable efforts in developing countries throughout the world and the contribution includes a combination of non-prescription reading glasses and sunglasses from FGX.

“FGX International is proud to support RestoringVision.org in supplying eyewear to individuals in developing countries,” said Alec Taylor, FGX International. “Many people who will be helped by this donation need reading glasses to perform nearby tasks such as reading and sewing that are critical to their well-being.”

The company’s donation provides an affordable solution to presbyopia and sunglasses are also important tools in the fight against cataracts and ptyergia. These conditions affect people who live in tropical climates and work outdoors.

The eyewear provided by FGX and RestoringVision.org provides a cost-effective method of improving productivity and quality of life of the poor in the developing world. Reading glasses enable individuals to improve productivity and enable them to earn a greater income, thereby avoiding poverty.

“This donation is remarkable,” said Mark Sachs director of RestoringVision.org. “It dramatically increases our ability to support new and larger groups in developing countries. We are no longer restricted by supply in reaching out to groups with permanent clinics in developing countries. Now, with this amazing donation of new readers, we will be able to help thousands of people remain productive and contributing members of their communities.”

According to RestoringVision.org board member Dave Chute, “Restoring Vision is one of the largest and most efficient clearinghouses for readers and sunglasses, cycling them from the developed world to the developing world.”

Reade Fahs, CEO, National Vision Inc. and RestoringVision.org board member said, “One can only imagine the positive ripple effect that FGX’s generosity will have throughout the world. RestoringVision.org will now be able to help thousands of more optical missions due to FGX’s donation.”

FGX’s ReaderBoutique.com website has pledged to donate one pair of reading glasses to Restoring
Vision.org for each pair sold on the website as part of its “Pair for Pair” program. ■

mkane@jobson.com