Latest News Luxottica Supports Community Outreach Projects through American Optometric Association’s Healthy Eyes Healthy People Charity By Staff Monday, August 12, 2013 12:21 AM ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association Healthy Eyes Healthy People (HEHP) program has distributed more than $1.2 million in grants for 350 projects addressing vision-related issues since its inception in 2004. Funded by Luxottica, the HEHP program provided grants of up to $5,000 to 15 community outreach projects, as reported by VMail on Aug. 7, 2013. “During the past nine years, we have seen the Healthy Eyes Healthy People projects in action across almost every state in the U.S., with programs ranging from vision care for the homeless to preschool vision screenings and eye disease awareness projects,” said Andrea Dorigo, president, Luxottica USA. “Results have proven that these grassroots community outreach programs not only promote eye and vision health, but in some cases save a person’s vision.” The eight vision objectives of the HEHP Program are: 1. Increase the proportion of children age five years and under who have visited (had an eye examination by) an eyecare provider in the preceding 12 months. 2. Reduce visual impairment in children and adolescents. 3. Reduce occupational eye injuries. 4. Increase the proportion of adults who have a comprehensive eye examination, including dilation, within the past two years. 5. Reduce visual impairment. 6. Increase the use of personal protective eyewear in recreational activities and hazardous situations around the home. 7. Increase vision rehabilitation. 8. Increase the proportion of Federally Qualified Health Centers that provide comprehensive vision health services. The grant program is open to any AOA member optometrist who wishes to establish or continue an eye or vision public outreach program conducted in conjunction with an entity outside organized optometry.