For our efforts in 2023, the EssilorLuxottica Group was crowned as the ‘Company of Good’ in Singapore, a testament to the Group’s unwavering dedication and impact we’ve made in the community.

We spoke to Yvonne Siow, Head of the Foundation in Southeast Asia and Grace Chew, Manager of the Foundation in Southeast Asia to unpack the Foundation’s year of lifechanging work and efforts that have contributed to the award win!

1. Tell us a little bit about the year the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation had, and how the team was able to make a difference to fellow Singaporeans. 

Yvonne: This year, as Singapore celebrates its 59th anniversary, we are incredibly proud to reflect on the impact we’ve made through the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. Our efforts have been focused on reaching marginalized communities, ensuring they receive the vision care they deserve. By providing quality vision care solutions and glasses to those in need, we empower individuals to see more and be more, significantly enhancing their quality of life and opportunities.

Grace: Our team has dedicated themselves tirelessly to extending our reach and improving our services for underserved communities in Singapore. Our goal is to inspire everyone to join us in our Mission, ensuring that more people understand the critical importance of vision care and become advocates of the critical vision care cause.

2. EssilorLuxottica's mission is to 'help people see more and be more', how does this award win showcase success towards that mission, and broader ambition to eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation?

Yvonne: This award is a powerful validation of our mission to transform lives through vision care. By providing quality vision solutions, including glasses, we empower individuals to reach their full potential in education, work, and daily life. It underscores our dedication to scaling our efforts, ensuring equitable access to essential vision care for all. With each person we help, we move closer to our goal of eliminating uncorrected poor vision in a generation, creating a future by multiplier effect where everyone can see more clearly and achieve more.

3. Tell us more about the Foundation's work and how it intersects with broader global health and development goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Yvonne: Our Foundation is dedicated to equipping low-income students with quality vision care, including glasses, which directly supports 5 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

By providing clear vision to students, we enable them to participate fully in education and increase their chances of academic success. Improved vision also enhances their employability, helping to break the cycle of poverty and reduce inequalities. Moreover, by addressing vision needs, particularly among underserved populations, we contribute to broader societal goals of promoting gender equality and ensuring inclusive economic growth.

4. Locally and regionally, the Foundation team drives some of the most innovative projects. Tell us more about a memorable project, and how the team was able to revolutionize the way we think about vision care.

Grace: One of the most innovative and impactful projects undertaken by the team was the launch of the Vision Experiential Zone (VEZ) at Peace Centre in Singapore. This project stands out as it revolutionizes the way we perceive vision care by immersing participants in a transformative experience. The VEZ is a pioneering space that integrates visual, auditory, and tactile elements to vividly depict the challenges addressed by the Foundation's mission. Comprising four interconnected experiential zones, the VEZ leverages gamification to foster a holistic appreciation for the importance of clear vision. Each zone is designed not only to educate but also to provoke deep reflection among participants.

The collaborative synergy of these zones serves a profound purpose — to prompt participants to consider life without good vision and to recognize the privilege of clear sight, especially in places like Singapore. By highlighting the widespread global issue of poor uncorrected vision, affecting 2.7 billion worldwide, the VEZ aims to inspire a sense of empathy and urgency among its visitors.

Ultimately, the VEZ seeks to go beyond awareness-raising; it aims to transform participants into active advocates and committed supporters of our mission. By immersing individuals in a thought-provoking journey, the VEZ challenges perspectives and encourages meaningful action towards improving global vision care. In summary, the VEZ at Peace Centre exemplifies how OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation is pushing the boundaries of vision care advocacy through innovative projects. It not only educates but also empowers individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by poor vision worldwide.

5. To wrap up, what would be a key message you would like to convey as the proud recipients of the Company of Good Award?

Grace: As recipients of the Champion of Good Award, we are deeply honored and humbled. This recognition validates the dedication and hard work of our team in advancing the mission of EssilorLuxottica to help people see more and be more. It also underscores the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving meaningful change. Moving forward, we remain committed to driving innovation, expanding our reach, and transforming lives through accessible vision care. Together, we can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world.

A Q&A with Yvonne and Grace: Celebrating our ‘Company of Good’ achievement in Singapore

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