June 15, 2021 — Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) has announced that it is committing $250,000 to support optometrists in their efforts to prioritize charitable patients who need vision care through its new Changing Life through Lenses (CLTL) Relief Fund campaign. 

Optometrists who enroll and provide vision services to eligible charitable patients (those at or around the poverty level without insurance for a pair of glasses as reasonably determined by the provider) can receive funds of up to $1,500 through the program. Optometrists can already receive free glasses (lenses, frames, and lab services) for their patients through the Changing Life through Lenses program, and now doctors who enroll in the CLTL Relief Fund can receive funds—EVF’s mission to pay it forward as ECPs work to provide for their communities.



“Many people are in greater need than ever before,” says Becky Palm, EVF president and executive director. “EVF is deeply appreciative of the charitable eye doctors and nonprofits that partner with us to provide vision services to patients in underserved areas. The CLTL Relief Fund is our way of paying it forward and championing those who give back in their communities.”

To qualify for funding, optometrists must register for Changing Life through Lenses or already have a Changing Life through Lenses account. Next, optometrists must enroll in the CLTL Relief Fund (available for a limited time through Dec. 31). Optometrists who serve two patients will get $150, and optometrists who serve 20 or more patients by Dec. 31 will get $1,500. 

“When an eye doctor takes the optometric oath, that doctor promises to put others’ needs above their own, and to see that no one lacks for proper care,” says Millicent Knight, O.D., Essilor of America’s customer development group senior vice president. “Participating in the CLTL Relief Fund helps O.D.s honor that oath and make a difference in their communities.” 

To register for the CLTL Relief Fund, head here.