Lens firm Essilor used the interest surrounding last week’s eclipse to launch a nationwide campaign to educate the public on the dangers of sun damage to the eyes.
The campaign focused on the dangers of exposure to UV rays, including retinal burn, cell damage and temporary or permanent blindness.
As part of the activity, it sent giant eye mascots ‘The Protectors’ to hand out glasses at the BBC Stargazing Live viewing event at Leicester Racecourse.
Its Eclipse Eye Health Campaign marked what was billed as the most dramatic eclipse in 16 years, and urged viewers of the eclipse to ‘practise safe sun’ when viewing it. Essilor offered free safety glasses through various newspapers, newsstands and supermarkets across the UK, at the same time advertising its Crizal UV lenses.
The giveaways were also widely promoted on social media and by broadcasters including Chris Evans.
Andy Hepworth, Essilor professional relations manager, said: ‘No matter what the public is told by opticians, it’s human nature to try to steal a glimpse of a dramatic eclipse. We felt we needed to do something and it was a golden public health education opportunity. Of course, protection is not just for an eclipse. Essilor ensures people’s sight is safe all year round.’
On Friday March 20 the eclipse blocked out up to 90 per cent of sunlight in the UK between the hours of 8.25am and 10.45am.