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WCO, Vision Impact Institute endorse Essilor, FIA road safety program
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The World Council of Optometry and the Vision Impact Institute announced during the World Congress of Optometry in Hyderabad their endorsement of the Essilor and Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile partnership to promote the role of vision as a key pillar of road safety on a global scale through awareness-building campaigns.
“For years, vision has taken a back seat on the road safety agenda – in fact, we have seen it virtually disappear from the global discussion,” World Council of Optometry President Uduak Udom, OD, said in a press release from Essilor. “As optometrists, we know that road safety begins with good vision, and I am pleased to place the WCO collective stamp of approval on this partnership and the work it will accomplish to prioritize the role of vision in driving over the coming years.”
Road safety begins with good vision, which is the most important sense in decision making on the road, according to the press release. However, public awareness is low, and access to quality eye wear remains limited in many regions of the world. In addition, many drivers are not aware of the need to protect their vision from glare in sunny conditions or when driving at night.
According to the World Health Organization, each year 1.25 million people are killed in road crashes around the world, and 50 million more are left seriously injured.
Annual car sales are projected to double to 5 million per year in 2030, up from 2.5 million in 2015, according to an Essilor report on road safety and vision.
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has Golden Rules that address risk factors such as speed, alcohol and seatbelt use. The group launched a new rule on May 8, “Check Your Vision,” which represents a major step in raising awareness on poor vision as a major public health issue, according to the release.
Essilor is partnering with FIA in the promotion of this Golden Rule and the fight against road traffic fatalities and injuries. Essilor will endorse road safety by providing messages, data and analysis to support FIA’s communications on the crucial role of vision in the fight against road fatalities. It will also further reinforce its product range based on drivers’ specific needs.