| aT Making Clear Vision AA (NAPSA)—Here’s somethingto reflect on: not being able to see clearly because you don’t have access to vision care might seem like something that only impacts people in lesser developed countries—butthat’s not the case. One in seven people around the world need glasses, but lack access to an eye exam and a simple pair of glasses. Theissue spans across every country and continent. In the U.S. alone, onein four students has an undiagnosed vision problem significant enough to impact their academicperformance. However, despite these overwhelming numbers, a new survey conducted by independent research firm Wakefield Research for OneSight, revealed that 65 percent ofAmericans are unaware that these problemsexist in their own country. And though they may be unawareof just how manypeople are unable to get an eye exam and glasses in the US., Americans can imaginethe practical and emotional implications of not beingable to see clearly. When asked what issues they may face if they could not see clearly, 60 percent ofAmericansfeel they'd lose their independence. Forty onepercent said they would be less productive at work or school, 48 percent say they would have a harder time earning a living and 23 percentfeel they would lose social connections with family members andfriends. The consequencesof not being able to see clearly can not only affect someone’s overall well-being, but also compromises their financial stability. Research showsthat clear vision enables a provider to earn up to 20 percent more each year and empowers students to be twice as effective in school. Without access to clear vision, a child’s future or a parent’s ability to maintain a living and provide for their family is unclear. Consider this: Americans whocannot see clearly face these issues and emotions every day. What You Can Do One organization making an impact is OneSight, a nonprofit leading the global movementto solve the vision care crisis. In honor of World Sight Day and throughout October, OneSightis helping the world see a better future with the launchof their When youhelp the world see bet- ter you help the world live better. digital movement, #}UNBLUR.The campaign aimsto raise advocacy and fundsto help provide eye exams and glasses to people in need in the U.S. and aroundthe world. OneSight is uniting people across the world to show firsthand whatlack of access to vision care looks like and how pair of glasses can havea life-changing impact on someone’s future. Anyone can join the global#}UNBLUR movement and help the world see by making a ten dollar donation at www.onesight.org/donate, which can help provide a pair of glasses to a person in need. OneSight is also encouraging people to watch the #UNBLURvideo at www.onesight.org/wsd2016 and share it on social media to show how clear sight can empower people to reach their full potential. “Access to vision care and a new pair of glasses could empowera student to reach their full potential, a parent to better connect with their children or a providerto get a better job andincrease their earning potential,” says Mony Iyer, OneSight’s executive director. “There is no greater feeling than seeing how a simple pair of eyeglasses can alter the course of someone’s life; this is why we won't stop until the world can see.” OneSight makes access to clear vision a reality through immediate and long-term solutions for underserved communities worldwide. Since 1988, OneSight Vision Clinics have served 9 million people in 46 countries and 49 states. With the help of dedicated partners, there are 23 permanentvision centers operating today, providing ongoing access to vision care to nearly 5 million people. That numberwill grow to over 20 million people by 2020.
