OneSight/H.O.W.

This article is in response to Bill Holland's (aka billybuc) newly formed site: H.O.W. Humanity One World,"A site dedicated to helping the less-fortunate in this world. A site dedicated to bringing us all closer. A site dedicated to...loving one another."

I want to thank Bill for conceptualizing this site and opening it up to all of us at hubpages. My contribution is only one way in which we can make the world a better place. Wait until you see the rest of the contributers articles!

"The world needs the sense that we are all in it together."~Jean Houston, philosopher and author.

I work for one of the greatest companies in the world. Many people don't like hearing me say that because it is a large coorporation and like most of coorporate America, it has its foibles. That being said, when I was looking for a job 6 years ago, I picked this company because of it's humanity. I work for the Luxottica Foundation, a leader in premium, luxury and sports eyewear. we have over 7100 retail stores throughout the world.And, that is only a part of their business. One very special part of their business is OneSight, a non-profit organization. "For more than 20 years, OneSight has been committed to providing clear vision to millions in need through the hand-delivery of primary vision care and eyewear. We also donate millions of dollars to fund research towards the prevention of optical diseases."

And, I, as an employee of Luxottica, have the privilege of being part of this amazing foundation!

This foundation was originally called Gift of Sight and in 2008 they united with Community I-Care and became OneSight. What an appropriate name. We are still giving the gift of sight but we are also working towards a vision. A vision that enables us to help the world see. My first experience with OneSight was in 2006. Throughout the world, we have a special day called OneDay. In the US, it is currently held on the second Tuesday of December. On this day, all of our stores and doctors provide free eye exams and eye wear to children and adults in need. we partner with other charitable organizations to help provide the best possible care. Each store takes care of the logistics on their own but it is big and exciting. The company provides us with a very large frame selection and our labs make all the glasses. They provide us with informational products as well. The rest is up to us. Each store celebrates in their own way.In our store, we like to make it a celebration with treats, balloons and goody bags. I came up witth the goody bag idea a few years ago. The premise behind it was that i wanted it to feel like a celebration when they got their glasses but there was an ulterior motive, too. I don't just fill the bags with goodies, I also fill it with coupons or gifts from local businesses. Many companies will give a free meal to each family. Some companies will donate treats to eat while they are waiiting and for our volunteers. Others will share some of their promotional items. Every year, my family and I purchase the goodies that go into the bag and make the bags up. It has become a family project as we watch for interesting things to buy throughout the year. I especially love to buy the halloween eyeballs. It never gets old!

In 2012, we will conduct 12 Clinics in 6 countries. To date, OneSight has completed more than 200 Clinics in 37 different countries, helping more than 3.5 million people.

In 2012, OneSight will conduct 12 Regional Clinics across North America helping thousands of children in need.

In 2012, OneSight has 23 Vision Van Clinics planned across North America with a goal of helping thousands of children see more clearly.

And they have taken the vision vans to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

OneDay is not the only way that I have been involved. Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana on one of our global clinics. We saw over 9000 patients! What an amazing, overwhelming experience! An experience I wouldn't have had if not for the generosity of OneSight and Luxottica. you can read about this incredible journey.This year I also had the opportunity to participate in my first vision van. Another amazing opportunity. I left that 2 day experience so much richer than I had entered it!

I probably should have mentioned here that all Luxxotica employees are encouraged to participate. OneDay happens in all stores, labs and offices in the world. The vision vans, regional and global clinics do require an application process. There are many more interested employees than there are spots to fill so the process of applying is not taken lightly, once chosen, the company assumes all responsibility and covers all required expenses.There are also fundraisers and fundraising opportunities throughout the years as well as an opportunity to collect gently used eye wear and take cash donations at store level. Employees can also donate through their pay or in lieu of anniversary gifts.

From lrc7815: http://lrc7815.hubpages.com/hub/HOW-Organizing-for-Human-Rights-and-Social-Justice#comment-11116340

From billybuc: http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Social-Issues-Poverty-In-The-United-States

From Lord De Cross: http://lorddecross.hubpages.com/hub/HOW-A-new-hope-For-our-Country-Giving-Back-with-J

From tillsontitan:http://tillsontitan.hubpages.com/hub/The-HOW-Movement

From brave warrior: http://bravewarrior.hubpages.com/hub/HOW-Do-We-Save-Our-Poverty-Stricken-Children

And this is only the beginning. There is a whole community of hub authors out there who are thrilled to be a part of this worthy cause, HOW. You can keep current by checking us out on hubpages and joining our facebook page.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."~Margaret Mead

I am honored to have been chosen for my second OneSight Clinic. This spring I will be going to Detroit! I am looking forward to giving the gift of sight! As this is the 25th anniversary of OneSight, all of the 2013 clinic participants received a commerative OneSight Flag. Very cool! Thank you, OneSight!