Top ranked Canadian golfer Graham DeLaet connects with the ball...and Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

Transitions Optical partners with Graham DeLaet and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada to raise awareness on the importance of eye health

CAMBRIDGE, ON, July 20 /CNW/ - As the official eyewear of the PGA TOUR(R) and proud sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, Transitions has initiated an exciting new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and professional golfer Graham DeLaet to help raise awareness for children, their parents and mentors about the dangers of UV exposure and the importance of eye protection. Recognizing that children's eyes are more susceptible to long-term damage from UV rays with 80 per cent of damage occurring before the age of 18(1), both parties are thrilled that Graham will provide one-on-one interaction with children so that they can experience what vision means to his game and just how important healthy eye habits are in leading an active lifestyle. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is a leading child and youth serving organization.

"Childhood is a crucial time in the development of the eyes," says Rachel Hill Campbell, optician. "Children are especially vulnerable to damaging UV rays because they often spend longer amounts of time outdoors in the sun. Fortunately, protective eyewear has come a long way, and there are lenses and frames that can help protect your child's eyes during play and sports."

"When Transitions approached us, we were extremely excited and felt the partnership was a natural fit given our mentoring program," says Garner Beckett, Manager of Development, Big Brothers Big Sisters. "Who better to exemplify healthy sight and eye care than a golfer who lives an active outdoor lifestyle and relies on sight to achieve his goals. The one-on-one time with Graham will be an unforgettable experience for the children."

As one of only four Canadian golfers with full status on the PGA Tour in 2010, professional golfer, Graham DeLaet is enjoying life on the PGA Tour and having a great rookie season! DeLaet has already had a number of top finishes on Tour this season including a tie for 3rd at the Shell Houston Open and a tie for 18th at the Bob Hope Classic. In addition to his success on the PGA Tour, DeLaet has won internationally on both the Canadian Tour and South African Tour, while representing his country in 2008 and 2009 at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. DeLaet is currently 110th on the PGA Tour money list and the second highest ranked Canadian born player in the world.

"For anybody who lives an active lifestyle, including kids who spend so much time outdoors, it's very important to protect eyes against UV damage and glare even during cloudy days by having the appropriate lenses," says Graham DeLaet. "As a professional golfer, I rely on optimal sight as an integral part of my game. With Transitions lenses, which block 100 per cent UVA and UVB rays, I feel confident that I am protecting the health and wellness of my eyes for the future."

As the leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers, Transitions Optical, headquartered in Pinellas Park, Fla., offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs and materials. Transitions Optical is driven by innovation to support the advancement of healthy sight and adaptive eyewear, and to providing its partners with the tools and programs their businesses need to thrive. Transitions(R) lenses are the No. 1-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide.

"Working to foster healthy sight in Canadian children is one of our key priorities because children are at greater risk for eye damage and we all know that healthy habits started early in life can last for a lifetime," says Isabelle Tremblay-Dawson, marketing manager, Transitions Optical.

Transitions Optical's family of products includes everyday lenses, designed to be worn indoors and darken outdoors, and performance lenses, designed to be worn outdoors in place of sun lenses. Transitions everyday lenses adapt to light to provide more comfortable vision while protecting eyes from UV. Transitions performance lenses include the company's sunwear line, Transitions(R) SOLFX(TM) sun lenses, which enhance visual performance in specific outdoor activities by adapting to optimize colour and darkness in changing light conditions.

For more information about healthy sight and protective eyewear, visit transitions.com or eyeglassguide.ca.

    
    (1) Achieving Healthy Vision: Maximizing and Protecting Vision for
        Today's Patients. Pinellas Park, Fla: Transitions Optical, Inc.: 2003
    

For further information: Kristen King, NATIONAL Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]; Verity Conrad, NATIONAL Public Relations, (416) 8481624, [email protected]