Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, is celebrating World Braille Day and acknowledging the immense, life-changing contribution made by Louis Braille in transforming the lives of millions of visually impaired people across the globe by providing them access to a better quality of life and greater acceptance in society.

World Braille Day is celebrated on January 4, in honour of Louis Braille, the French educator and inventor of the globally-acclaimed reading and writing systemintended for use by visually impaired people.Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number, as well as musical, mathematical and scientific symbols.In November 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially approved World Braille Day. The first World Braille Day was observed on January 2019 and since then, the day has been celebrated every year on this date.

Braille is used worldwide and remains virtually unchanged to this day. The World Braille Day brings attention to the importance of caring for the visually impaired people of the world.Louis Braille’s gift to the world has transformed the lives of millions of people around the world who are blind or visually impaired and they benefit from his work every day. The day also acknowledges that those with visual impairments deserve the same standard of human rights as everyone else.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that approximately 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. In at least 1 billion of these cases, vision impairment could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. This 1 billion people includes those with moderate or severe distance vision impairment or blindness due to unaddressed refractive error, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, as well as near vision impairment caused by unaddressed presbyopia. The organisation has been striving to reduce the day-to-day challenges individuals with vision impairment or blindness face and provides practical solutions for them to lead healthier, happier lives. Global records indicate that blind or low vision is on the rise as the global population ages and human life span increases. However, the World Health Organization points out that up to 80% of vision impairment worldwide is avoidable with better access to healthcare and treatment.

Having reinforced its position as Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, Vision Care’s vast islandwide branch network provides easy access to anyone seeking to have their sight tested in order to detect problems early and prevent blindness. All Vision Care branches offers comprehensive eye care solutions for customers to get their vision tested conveniently. Vision Care’s professional optometrists use only state-of-the-art equipment in order to test and correct any diagnosed visual impairment, enabling customers can to keep their vision at optimum health and lead an enhanced quality of life.

Vision Care has been at the forefront of the technological revolution in eye care in Sri Lanka for over 3 decades by providing high-quality eye testing, spectacles, sunglasses and contact lenses. Customers are able to select from a wide array of top global brands for frames for reading glasses and spectacles at all branches.

Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eyewear solutions provider, has extended its 8-year partnership with the Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) to its ninth year by once again collaborating as the “Fashionable Eyewear Partner” of CFW Luxury Edition held at the Galle Face Hotel recently.

The Luxury Edition focused on the possibility of increasing the value of designed products through inspired craftsmanship. The full-day event showcased Sri Lanka's finest fashion design talent with emphasis on luxury and wedding wear and featured luxury, occasion and bridal trousseau segments.

Several Sri Lankan designers who have mastered the art of creating luxury products for the local and international markets presented their collections to a large audience. Among them, Charini Suriyage, Fouzul Hameed, Harindra Gunawardena and Ayesh Wickramaratne elevated their inspirational creations by adding a variety of eyewear from Vision Care’s world-class collection of premium eyewear brands. They included Tom Ford, D&G, Versace, Bvlgari, Prada, Ray Ban and Vogue. In addition to these brands, Vision Care also offers customers a diverse range of other premium international brands for frames and sunglasses such as Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, Polaroid, Carrera, Coach, Oakley, Gucci, Porsche and many others. These brands are available at Vision Care’s expanding branch network located islandwide and also on their online store shop.visioncare.lk.

Harsha Maduranga - General Manager of Vision Care stated, “Vision Care has been a long-standing ‘Official Eyewear Partner’ of Colombo Fashion Week and we are thrilled to extend the partnership for yet another year. Every year, our top-of-the-line eye wear brands have been used creatively by the designers participating at CFW to add the finishing touches of glamour and style to their stunning fashion collections. This year was no different with as many as four Sri Lankan designers taking their pick from our expansive range of world-class, premium eyewear brands which are widely sought after in the world of fashion.”

Having commenced in 2003, CFW has over the years created formats that demand transformation across the key pillars that would define today's fashion industry. Its Mission is to establish, develop and maintain an efficient fashion eco-system that incubates the best of Sri Lankan design. The various entities of CFW work in different areas of the fashion industry, including fashion week platforms, creative events, media, sustainable fashion, education-based programs and fashion brands.

Staying on its dynamic expansion strategy, Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, opened its latest branch at Medihelp Hospital located at 175/3D, Pore, Athurugiriya. The official opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Janaka Fonseka - Managing Director, Vision Care, Harsha Maduranga - General Manager, Vision Care, Hiranthi Perera – General Manager Finance, Vision Care along with several Vision Care staff members and well-wishers.

Vision Care has entered into a strategic partnership with Medihelp Hospitals to enhance the hospital’s eye care offering. Vision Care is focused on expanding its optical services to selected Medihelp Hospitals’ locations, thereby eventually covering all major districts in the country. The new Athurugiriya branch offers ample parking and a modern look and feel with spacious interiors and a wide range of products and services that includes spectacles, sunglasses, contact lenses and hearing aids. Customers can access the latest eye care solutions as well as a wide array of impressive, world-renowned brands for sunglasses and frames. They are able to choose from top global eye wear brands for men and women such as Ray-Ban, Vogue, Emporio Armani, Polo Ralph Lauren and many others.

With 30 years of service excellence, Vision Care is constantly looking at ways to improve and expand its network of branches with the aim of providing the best quality eye and hearing care solutions to its customer base. The company intends to continue to add new branches as well as upgrade its existing ones in the future in order to bring Vision Care’s world-class products and services to their customers’ doorstep, thereby enabling them to easily and safely access eye and hearing care of international quality.

Vision Care’s Athurugiriya branch

Photo Caption : Opening of Vision Care’s Athurugiriya branch by Janaka Fonseka – Managing Director, Vision Care, Harsha Maduranga - General Manager, Vision Care, and Hiranthi Perera – General Manager Finance, Vision Care.

Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eyewear solutions provider, is celebrating World Sight Day 2022 under the global theme “Love your Eyes” by highlighting the importance of regular eye testing for everyone in the family.

According to the World Health Organization, across the world, as many as 1 billion people are affected by a preventable visual impairment or one that has yet to be identified or addressed. As a result of reduced or absent eyesight an individual may suffer from significant and long-lasting negative impacts on different aspects of life. Irrespective of age or gender, daily activities such as chores around the house, interacting with the neighbours and the local community, attending school or office, finding employment opportunities and accessing public services are all greatly slowed down by such eyesight problems. At times, such conditions might even put the individual in danger of injury or even death through unforeseen accidents. Such vision impairments also hold back millions around the world from progressing in life and achieving their true potential.

Expressing his views, Harsha Maduranga – General Manager of Vision Care stated, “It is common knowledge that people take their eyesight for granted. People are a lot more likely to do medical checkups for blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressure while eye checkups are unfortunately given less priority or ignored altogether. It is vital that eyesight is checked regularly, starting from childhood all the way to a person’s senior years. Primary eye examinations are a great way to get children used to the habit of having their eyes checked regularly. Like with all medical conditions, early detection is vital. The public must realize that many types of visual impairments can be managed properly if they are identified early and the best way to do that is to get the necessary testing done regularly through eye care professionals. Regular eyesight checks are for all ages and therefore parents have a special responsibility to check the eyesight of their children from a young age.”

As Sri Lanka’s leading eye care provider, Vision Care offers comprehensive eye care solutions for customers to get their vision tested. Vision Care’s professional optometrists use only state-of-the-art equipment in order to test and correct any diagnosed impairment so that customers can return home to enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Vision Care has been at the forefront of the technological revolution in eye care in Sri Lanka for over three decades by providing high-quality Eye Testing, Spectacles, Sunglasses, Contact lenses in world renowned brands and ocular pharmaceuticals.

Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, is marking the ‘Literary Month’ which falls in the month of September by highlighting the value of reading for people of all ages.

Reading is one of the most important life skills that humans learn from a very young age. The Literary Month is a time of the year that emphasizes on the nurturing of the habit of reading. Sri Lanka has always been known for a very high literacy rate with reading being a popular leisure activity among adults and children. Research has revealed that reading regularly helps you to stay educated and informed, expands your perspectives of the world, enhances your creativity, improves your mood, relaxes your mind and body, while also boosting your analytical and critical thinking capabilities.

An important part of ensuring that you continue to read for life is keeping your eyes healthy. Age has a negative effect on your eyes and when you reach your 40s, the natural internal lenses in your eyes become less flexible. As a result, they can't focus as easily from near to far vision as they could when you were younger. Once this natural lens becomes less flexible, your near vision tends to get reduced. It's a condition called Presbyopia and is a natural part of aging.

Various challenges in your everyday life will indicate to you that your eyesight is becoming poorer. When you hold books and other reading materials at your usual reading distance, they appear blurry while holding them farther away may tend to make the text slightly clearer. You may have trouble reading smaller print in dim or even regular light conditions. There may be instances where your eyes hurt when you try to read or do other close work. At times, you may realize that you get a headache when you try to read and this may even keep you away from your favourite books and magazines.

All this indicates that it’s time you got yourself a pair of customized reading glasses. The first step to doing so is to get your eyes checked by an experienced eyecare professional. At Vision Care, you can get your eyes tested using state-of-the-art equipment that is handled by eyecare professionals with years of experience in the field. Vision Care customers are able to choose from a wide array of top global brands for frames for reading glasses and spectacles. In addition to pioneering the introduction of the best range of eyewear brands recognized globally to the local market, Vision Care also offers high quality eye testing, spectacles, sunglasses, contact lenses as well as hearing aids and hearing testing. High quality optical and ophthalmic products are available at all outlets.

Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, together with its “Visual Fitness” unit has introduced a number of unique eye training packages to help boost communication skills through enhancement of eyesight. These packages are ideally-suited for athletes, dancers, pilots, military personnel, drivers, school students or any other professional.

“Visual Fitness” training is a form of specialised training that consists of a technique that can be exploited for those involved in other professions besides sportsmen in order to boost their skills through enhancement of their vision. Mastering competencies such as hand-eye coordination, reaction time and the ability to make correct decisions in high pressure situations is a requisite not just for athletes, dancers, pilots, military personnel, drivers, school students, but for any person in general. Special training can be obtained from “Visual Fitness” which helps to measure such skills and enhance them.

The specialised eye training packages introduced by the “Visual Fitness” unit include: “Memory+” package which helps to improve studies among school children by intensifying their communication skills; “Perfect Driver” package for drivers and learner drivers; “Eagle Eye” package for pilots who need to take instant but accurate decisions in emergency situations at high altitudes; “Extended Vision” package which helps to reduce visual impairment after the age of 40; “Perfect Rehab” package to rehabilitate athletes who face declining vision due to injuries or to rejuvenate patients with stroke related complications; “Dancers Motivator” package that sharpens the special communication skills that dancers need to direct their movements and maintain balance; “Tri-forces Training” package for officers of the armed forces who require skills such as the strategic instant reaction speed, communication skills such as making critical decisions and information processing in complex life threatening situations and “Visual Stress Release” package that can be used to reduce strain and stress to the eye.

Vision Care’s Visual Fitness unit uses the most advanced technologies for training. Prior to training, three basic examinations are carried out - Refraction, Orthoptic Assessment and Visual Fitness Test. After these tests, an internationally-recognized Visual Fitness coach conducts further checks and prepares the training plan accordingly. More information can be obtained from the Visual Fitness Center located at the Vision Care Branch at No. 505, Union Place, Colombo 2.

Vision Care Academy, the educational institute of Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider Vision Care, marked this year’s Optometry Day and 12^thAnnual Scientific Session recently with an educational event held under the theme "Innovative World with Better Focus" at the Mount Lotus Eye & ENT Hospital.

The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Dr. (Mrs.) Manel Pasqual - Consultant Ophthalmologist, National Eye Hospital Sri Lanka, and Guest of Honour Mr. Udeni Wickramarachchi - Chairman, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission Sri Lanka. Vision Care Academy organizes this annual event to provide a platform for the education, awareness, and knowledge sharing of all matters related to the field of Optometry and Hearing Care while nurturing the interest of the students of the Academy and encouraging them to devote their time towards research studies. This event is also the official convocation where certificates are awarded to the students who have passed out of Vision Care Academy on successful completion of their respective courses.

The Inaugural Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Madhuwanthi Dissanayake - Professor & Consultant Eye Surgeon, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Subsequently, four educational sessions were held on a variety of topics related to the field of Optometry and Hearing Care. During the 1st session, an informative speech was made by Dr. D.R.R. Kodikara - Consultant Ophthalmologist on ‘Ocular Diagnostics’. The 2^nd session address was made by Dr. Aruna Fernando - Consultant Ophthalmologist/Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon on ‘Binocular Vision & Vision Therapy’ while the 3^rd session address was delivered by Mrs. Ananth Lakshmi - Snr. Optometrist/AGM-ECP Training & Development, Essilor India Private Limited on ‘Community Optometry & Dispensing’. Additionally, during the 4^th session, Dr.(Mrs) Sanjeewani Rupasinghe, Consultant ENT Surgeon delivered the keynote speech on ‘Hearing Care’.

The event concluded with the handing over of certificates to a total of 34 Vision Care Academy graduates while several individuals took home awards in multiple Research categories. The award winners were Chanura Mahindapala - Best Oral Presentation (Senior), Chandramohan Thilakshana - Best Oral Presentation (Jr./DOP), Pramodya Thathsarani - Best Oral Presentation (Jr./COA), Ravindu Deshan - Best Oral Presentation (Jr./CVT), Kavindi Silva - Best Oral Presentation (CDO), Ravindu Deshan - Best Research of the Year, Amila Chandrasekara - Best Poster of the Year, Suresh Sulaxan - Best Innovation of the Year, Dharunniya Komalasewaran - Best Research Presentation-Audiology and Ann Sureni - Best Poster-Audiology.

Addressing the audience, Vidya Jayarathna - Head of Vision Care Academy stated, “We are pleased to be able to celebrate the Optometry Day and Annual Scientific Session in person this year having done an online event last year. Every year, the exceptional students and staff of the Academy work together tirelessly to organise this much looked forward to knowledge sharing event. The event always aims to be on par with international standards as we discuss various topics related to the field of optometry and hearing care with the assistance of top experts. At Vision Care Academy, we are proud to play our part to enhance the knowledge levels in Sri Lanka’s eye and hearing care fields and we will strive to do so into the future.”

Vision Care Academy was established in 2008 with the objective of providing in-house training to Vision Care employees. Today, it has evolved into a fully-facilitated training institute that offers a world-class educational experience in Optometry. It has a highly-qualified well-experienced lecture panel and also brings in lecturers from leading Universities in Sri Lanka to give the students the most comprehensive education in Optometry. Vision Care Academy conducts 4 full-time courses on eye and hearing care under the supervision of Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC). They are Certificate program for Ophthalmic Assistants (COA), Certificate program for Audiometrians (CAD), Certificate program for Dispensing Opticians (CDO) and Diploma program for Optometrists (DOP). Vision Care Academy is a full-time member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry India and Affiliate Member of the World Council of Optometry.

A student presenting his new innovation to the panel of judges

Chief Guest Dr. (Mrs.) Manel Pasqual - Consultant Ophthalmologist, National Eye Hospital Sri Lanka addressing the gathering

Ravindu Deshan being awarded the 'Best Oral Presentation and Best Research of the Year'

Photo Caption : Optometrist graduates taking their oaths

Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, is setting the stage for its valued customers to mark Father’s Day by encouraging them to drop in with their fathers for an eye test at any Vision Care branch islandwide.

Father’s Day is a special day celebrated worldwide to honour and show appreciation to the fathers in society and to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions they make for their families. In today’s modern society, Father’s Day extends beyond simply celebrating fathers by recognizing the positive impact of various father figures in our lives. These include individuals such as grandfathers, brothers, uncles, fathers-in-law, teachers, coaches, mentors or even husbands, all of whom may take you under his wing to help you grow and become a better person and a responsible citizen of the country.

Taking care of one’s eyes is a vital step in overall health. Regular eye tests are essential to ensure that you take proper care of your eyes. Bring your father or father figure to Vision Care and show them how special they are to you. You can visit any Vision Care outlet islandwide with that special person to get his eyes tested by Vision Care’s eyecare professionals using state-of-the-art equipment after which he can choose from the extensive selection of products that includes spectacles, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eye wear solutions provider, is marking World Environment Day 2022 and also stepping forward to provide support to the national effort to reduce energy consumption and thereby save valuable foreign exchange for the country by encouraging a number of simple steps all employees are to take to increase energy efficiency in their office environment.

When a Vision Care employee is the last person to leave a room, they turn off all lights especially when closing up at the end of the work day. In a room with lesser number of people unnecessary lights are switched off without disrupting the lighting levels. Employees are encouraged to use bicycles as much as possible when running their daily errands. They have readily embraced this change and some employees have even commenced commuting to work on their bicycles. Using bicycles saves fuel and also helps to boost the individual’s fitness levels. All air conditioners are turned off when not in use and the temperature is slightly increased to a comfortable level when there are less people in the room. With cold, wet weather prevalent these days, the use of fans instead of air conditioners have also increased. Turning off and unplugging all unused electrical devices is another way of saving electricity that is practiced at Vision Care. Additionally, office tasks that can be grouped together into one batch are planned and carried out on a particular device instead of turning it on and off periodically throughout the day. With computers being widely-used in all offices by almost all employees, they can make a significant impact to save energy. When a Vision Care employee is leaving work for the day, they always shut down their computer. When they are away from their seat, they switch off the monitor and also use in-built features such as sleep/hibernation mode to save energy.

Vision Care has also given prominence to this company-wide national effort to reduce energy consumption on their social media platforms with the aim of educating their large number of customers and followers by posting these useful tips under the hashtag #LetsSaveEnergy so that they are encouraged to implement them in their office and homes.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually since 1973, World Environment Day on 5^th June is the most prominent international day designated for the environment. The event has become the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to protect the planet. World Environment Day 2022 campaign #OnlyOneEarth calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore the planet.