Transitions Optical Brings Vision and Sports Performance Into Focus Through Dynamic Spectator Experience at The Barclays

PARAMUS, N.J., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Building upon its partnership with the PGA TOUR®, Transitions Optical, Inc. today announced the activation of several on-site experiences aimed at educating both players and spectators about the need for healthy vision during The Barclays this week at The Ridgewood Country Club.

The "Live Your Vision" experience located within Spectator Village along the 17th Fairway is an interactive area for spectators of all ages that demonstrates the connection between healthy, quality sight and sports performance as well as the role vision plays as part of overall health and wellness.  Spectators will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with members of Kenny Perry's coaching team, including Matt Killen, the TOUR's youngest swing coach; Dr. Larry Lampert, sports/vision expert and Tyler Parsons, certified kinesiologist and golf fitness specialist. 

"From the beginning, Transitions Optical has made it clear that its intention was to be a committed partner as both title sponsor of the Transitions Championship and the Official Eyewear of the PGA TOUR," said Rob Ohno, senior vice president of corporate marketing, PGA TOUR.  "As you can see at The Barclays, Transitions continues to deliver on this commitment by offering a dynamic spectator experience and outreach effort that reinforces the importance of healthy, quality sight and the Transitions brand in a relevant and engaging way -- not only for golfers and spectators, but for all who value their vision.  Transitions has done a tremendous job of distinguishing its brand and continues to gain attention among the global golf community, including numerous TOUR players who recognize quality vision and proper eyewear as an essential part of their game."

The experience, open to all spectators throughout the week and to more than 400 school-aged children attending a youth clinic, will consist of numerous hands-on activities, including a putting area with vision simulation goggles, putting alignment and coaching, a swing simulator, Transitions eyewear demonstrations featuring the Transitions family of brands, meet and greets, the chance to win prizes, and much more.  Visitors can also tour "Eyenstein" -- Transitions' and VSP® Vision Care's 45-foot, state-of-the-art mobile eyecare clinic to learn about the importance of proper eyecare and eyewear, how eyeglasses are made and what to expect when receiving an eye exam.

"By introducing this experience at The Barclays, we hope to educate even more consumers about the importance of healthy, quality sight not only in relation to sports performance, but also in their everyday lives," said Connie Falvo, director of external affairs, Transitions Optical.  "Transitions is committed to raising awareness worldwide about proper eyecare and eyewear, and our partnership with the PGA TOUR and being the Official Eyewear continues to give us tremendous opportunities to do so."

Transitions plans to continue the momentum by making this experience available at additional TOUR events in the upcoming year.

"It's great to see Transitions bringing the message of healthy sight to other communities in which TOUR events are held," said Kenny Perry, 14-time PGA TOUR winner.  "I've struggled with vision problems throughout my entire life and truly understand how important it is to get this message out there to consumers.  I, along with my team of coaches and trainers, am looking forward to meeting with spectators throughout tournament week to demonstrate how healthy vision can have an impact on your golf game."

As the Official Eyewear of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour, Transitions Optical is the title sponsor of the Transitions Championship, the PGA TOUR's Tampa Bay event, which tees off March 14–20, 2011 at Innisbrook Resort.    

About Transitions Optical, Inc.

Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International.  The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide. Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions® lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight.  They are clear indoors and at night.  Outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change.  Transitions lenses provide visual comfort, and enhance visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, helping you to see better today.  Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays -- helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes -- so you can see better tomorrow as well.  

For more information about the company and Transitions lenses, the first to earn the American Optometric Association's Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers, visit Transitions.com or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).

About The PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is the world's premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co-sanctioning more than 100 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.

The PGA TOUR's mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

In 2010, the three Tours collectively have tournaments in 34 states and in 12 countries outside of the U.S. PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to nearly 600 million households in 225 countries and 30 languages.

Virtually all tournaments are organized as nonprofit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2009, tournaments on the three Tours generated $108 million for local charitable organizations. The TOUR's all-time total of charitable contributions is approaching $1.5 billion.    

The PGA TOUR's web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

SOURCE Transitions Optical, Inc.