FORT WORTH, Texas, October 10, 2018 — Fort Worth-based Alcon Foundation, is honoring the sixth annual World Sight Day on Thursday, Oct. 11, by offering complimentary eye health screenings to guests at its booth located on the fairground’s Nimitz Terrace at the State Fair of Texas, beginning at 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. – first come, first served. Alcon Foundation anticipates providing more than 350 screenings throughout the day. World Sight Day is recognized internationally for raising global awareness and attention to blindness and vision impairment issues.

Sight is one of the most important senses, and the Alcon Foundation advocates for eye health both nationally and internationally. Through its donations and numerous charity partnerships, the Foundation is increasing access to eye care around the world not just on World Sight Day, but throughout the year. According to the World Health Organization, more than 235 million people are estimated to be visually impaired, and it is estimated that 80 percent of those conditions can be treated, prevented or cured. Many eye conditions and diseases may not have obvious signs and symptoms –  making it critical that people have comprehensive eye examinations with eye care professionals for early detection on a routine basis.

A volunteer team of more than 40 eye care professionals, including staff members from Community Eye Clinic in Fort Worth and Cedar Springs Eye Clinic in Dallas, will screen guests for glaucoma and other eye conditions, using Alcon’s advanced technology. Prevent Blindness volunteers will be on-hand to measure guests’ visual acuity. 

“For more than 50 years, Alcon has engaged in meaningful partnerships, such as this year’s with the State Fair of Texas, to help the numerous communities needing eye health education and support,” said Melissa Thompson, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Alcon and President of the Alcon Foundation. “We are proud to make a difference in the lives of individuals in Texas, and across the globe, by providing access to advanced eye health technology and expertise.”

The Alcon Foundation, and its associates, are passionate about making a positive and meaningful impact. In addition to the partnership with the State Fair of Texas, the Alcon Foundation will be participating in its third annual associate-driven World Sight Day Cycle for Sight 20/20 Challenge, a global competition to raise funds and awareness that associates have grown to 25 locations in 19 countries. Alcon is striving for participation from 2,020 associates across the company to ride a stationary or standard bike for as long as they choose in order to trigger a donation to Our Children’s Vision. Our Children’s Vision delivers effective, sustainable eye care services to children around the world, regardless of their economic status or geographical location.

The Alcon Foundation has created a dedicated website to provide resources to achieve your best eye health and take care of your eyes, including information on how the eye works, checklists for every age, and when to see an eye care professional.

For more information visit www.eyecareforeveryone.com. 

Alcon Foundation 
For more than 50 years, Alcon has partnered with non-profit organizations that help advance eye health, skills transfer, education and access to quality eye care around the world. The Alcon Foundation awards grants to qualified, U.S.-based tax-exempt public 501(c)(3) charities that provide high-quality programs, training and community services with well-defined goals to enhance sight and improve the lives of people who otherwise would not have access to proper eye care. For more information, visit https://www.alcon.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/eye-care-everyone.