NEW YORK—Essilor of America has created a public, non-profit foundation dedicated to helping people in need obtain access to vision care. Known as the Essilor Vision Foundation, it will help people achieve better lives through better sight by creating and supporting activities that advance good vision and its benefits, and offering special help to those who need it most, according to Essilor executives, who announced the move earlier this week at the company’s national sales meeting here.

“Essilor International sees this U.S.-based foundation as a step in further its worldwide activities as a socially responsible company,” said Hubert Sagnieres, Essilor’s president, North America and Europe. “By combining the dedication of our employees, our comprehensive network of labs and our strong relationships with eyecare professionals nationwide, we plan to work side-by-side with the foundation to improve access to vision care.”

The new foundation, based in Dallas, will concentrate its initial efforts on U.S. school children. Its first program focuses on educating parents about the need for annual eye exams for children through a partnership with schools in Tarrant County, Texas. The foundation also plans to work closely with other non-profit organizations such as Lions Clubs International, to find ways to help families pay for eye exams and receive eyeglasses that they might not otherwise be able to afford.

“Studies show that one in four children in the U.S. have a vision problem that their parents aren’t aware of,” said Audrey Reed, an Essilor executive who has been named executive director of the foundation. “It affects their reading, learning and behavior in the classroom. Research suggests the percentage of inner-city children with uncorrected vision problems is as high as 50 percent. We are developing programs to address these issues so all children, regardless of their ethnic background or financial status, have an equal change to learn and become productive members of society.”

Essilor has donated $2 million in seed money to the foundation. More information is available through the foundation’s Web site, www.essilorvisionfoundation.org.