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EssilorLuxottica joins forces with United Nations and Michelin to ensure good vision for safer roads

3 min read

Published on 26 Jul 2022

Press conference held at UN Headquarters marks leaders’ commitment to halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030

On June 29, 2022 EssilorLuxottica joined forces with leaders from the United Nations (UN) and Michelin at a press conference called “Action for Good Vision on the Road. Together for Safer Roads” at the UN Headquarters in New York City. With the world largely returning to mobility, the UN is calling stakeholders to address gaps and join efforts to achieve the 2^nd Decade of Action for Road Safety, halving road victims by 2030. EssilorLuxottica is taking a leadership role in building awareness and access to good vision to help achieve this goal.

In April 2020, the importance to ensure good vision for all road users was included in the United Nations’ call to countries for the enhancement of National Road Safety Systems. More widely, in July 2021, the UN resolution ”Vision for Everyone” stated the need to address vision everywhere for the achievement of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals¹. Responding to this call, EssilorLuxottica launched in July 2021 the “Action for good vision on the road” global campaign, together with world partners, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and the UNRSF (United Nations Road Safety Fund). It included a roadmap of actions in key countries like the United States. (press release here)

Consumer studies showed that the crucial importance of good vision on the road, through up-to-date correction and glare protection, day and night, is strongly unaddressed. 47% of American regular drivers* consider their vision is not perfect or preventing them from driving or riding in full safety during the day; it goes up to 67% at night. 66% of American people in general are annoyed by glare from natural sunlight. And with growing demands on our eyes from screens usage, 17% of American regular drivers* declare visual fatigue when driving to be very annoying ². Based on the above, the press conference featured an executive panel of leaders partnering on innovative actions to amplify awareness, encourage eye exams and ensure good vision for road users in the United States. In particular, EssilorLuxottica showed the positive impact achieved leveraging its extensive retail network LensCrafters (operations back-to-work/back-to-school last September; this year preparing the summer holidays departures) and the collaboration plans with Michelin, EyeMed-vision care insurance, doctors, eyecare professionals and the optical community, as a whole. A reference case in a key country that can be an example for wider application.

Jean Todt, United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, opened the conference with a strong message: “As we start a new Decade of Action for Road Safety, we have a key role to play by our actions at all levels, from authorities to individuals. Like buckling up your safety belt, and wearing a helmet, it is important to check your vision, protect your eyes from glare, wear your prescribed glasses on the road: simple rules can save lives”.

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO and Paul Du Saillant, Deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica said “We are proud to take a leadership role in working with the United Nations on such a critical issue, If we want to drive large-scale impact globally, we need to mobilize all parties and stakeholders. EssilorLuxottica is addressing a call to consumers through our retail stores and patients through the global optical community to bring this important topic to the forefront. More widely, safe mobility is a key need in our daily lives and, as such, completely in line with our Mission to See more, Be more, and our company’s commitment to Sustainability”.

Alexis Garcin, President & CEO of Michelin North America Inc. added: “At Michelin, we have an obsessive commitment to safety. And safety does not happen by chance. It requires the right behaviors especially when we are on the road. With LensCrafters, we're aiming for a Summer of Safety as we work together to encourage drivers to check their vision and their tires for the journey ahead. These are simple behaviors that can change lives. So, I am excited to work alongside LensCrafters to promote the right behaviors that will in the end ensure a safer mobility for everyone”.

¹ ITC (Inland Transport Committee) Recommendations for Enhancing National Road Safety Systems, April 2020 - 2021; United Nations General Assembly resolution “Vision for Everyone: Accelerating Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” (A/75/L.108)
² Eyewear Usage and Attitudes 2019 – Brazil, China, India, France and US, wearers and non wearers aged 5 to 65 – N=14276