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The European Sunglass Association is researching the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the human eye and taking the findings to Brussels in an attempt to secure European Union research funding.

ESA president Rod Lane told members at the association's European Sunglass Conference in Treviso earlier this month that further research could be carried out into the amount of money European nations spend on treatments of sun-related diseases. The objective would be to convince European nations to spend money on promoting sunglass use to prolong eye health.

At the same meeting, MEP John Bowis told the audience about his work with the EU and the scope for action and help on the ESA's objectives, highlighting the importance of lobbying.

He concluded that it was important to realise that the sunglass industry was dealing with people's eyes and not just fashion.

Another presentation covered EU regulations, pointing out that the right communication and good information at point-of-sale increased the consumer's ability to make an informed choice at purchase and minimised the risk of incorrect or inappropriate selection.

The association will be presenting study findings on the effects of UV at its annual meeting on the evening of October 29, before the Silmo exhibition in Paris.

● www.esa-sunglasses.com

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