Standard Optical Celebrates 100 Years of Good Vision by giving away exams and eyeglasses to utah kids in need

SALT LAKE CITY –April 4, 2011 – For 100 years, locally-owned and operated Standard Optical has been helping Utahns see better. As part of its 100-year celebration, the company announced the Gift of Sight program, which will benefit underprivileged children in Utah who are in need of eyeglasses.

From April 27th through 29th, the optical chain, which started in downtown Salt Lake City in 1911, will be giving away free eye exams and prescription glasses to hundreds of Utah kids in need. For additional information or to find out how to qualify for the Gift of Sight Program, call 1-385-270-8200 or visit standardopticalcares.com.

According to the Vision Council of America, one in four school-aged children has a vision problem, and more than 80% of what a child learns in school is presented visually. Good vision can make a big difference in their academic performance.

“Standard Optical is proud to be in a position to give back to our Utah community and help our children who need eye care,” says Aaron Schubach, Vice President of Standard Optical. “Our commitment to Utah and its citizens began 100 years ago with my great-grandfather, and today it is stronger than ever.”

Research shows that the simple vision screening, commonly used by a pediatrician or a school nurse, detects only 5% of all vision problems. Simple vision screenings can offer early indications of problems relating to distance vision, but often screenings miss other critical vision deficiencies that can impact eye health and a child’s performance in the classroom.

“Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems are important for maintaining good vision and eye health, and when possible, preventing vision loss,” added Schubach.

Standard Optical was founded in Salt Lake City in 1911 by Henry Schubach. Now with 18 statewide locations, Standard Optical is still owned and operated by the Schubach family. The company specializes in full-scope comprehensive eyewear and eye care, including examinations, glasses, contact lenses and LASIK vision correction.