Zoff Launches Initiative to Protect Students' Eyes from UV Rays
In a world where the impact of UV rays is becoming increasingly concerning, the eyewear brand Zoff is taking proactive steps to safeguard the eyes of young people. With the initiative titled "For the Eyes, For the Future," Zoff partners with Joshi Seigakuin Junior and Senior High School in Tokyo, beginning in July 2025. This collaboration aims to introduce a culture of wearing sunglasses comfortably incorporated into school life.
As the Earth's climate continues to change, the amount of UV radiation people are exposed to is on the rise, and its effects on health, particularly on eyesight, are profound. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over half of the UV radiation exposure occurs before the age of 18, emphasizing the need for early prevention, especially among youth. In Japan, while sun protection measures like umbrellas and sunscreen have become commonplace, the adoption of sunglasses for eye protection remains low; only about 20% of students currently wear them.
Zoff has previously engaged in outreach programs at elementary and middle schools across Japan, educating both students and educators about the importance of eye health. This new initiative aligns with their goal to create a cultural shift regarding sunglasses, making them a natural part of school attire. To facilitate this, they provided 23 students from Joshi Seigakuin with expert lectures discussing the impacts of UV rays on the eyes. Following the presentations, students chose their preferred sunglasses combinations from 50 frame styles and 7 lens colors suitable for their school experience.
The sunglasses chosen by the students prioritize designs that integrate seamlessly with the school uniform and daily activities. Focus was placed on creating a balance between practicality and style, resulting in 7 final models selected as monitor-testing options. The feedback from students highlighted their preferences: "I chose this one because it matches my summer uniform and has a summery feel," expressed one participant, while another noted, "The pink lenses are subtle, blend well with my skin tone, and are easy to wear."
Approximately 90 students volunteered to test the sunglasses throughout the summer break, with Zoff planning to utilize the results to establish Japan's first "school-designated sunglasses" by 2026.
Naoki Okamura, head of the Health and Physical Education Department at Joshi Seigakuin, stated, "At our school, we value fostering the ability to think actively about one's health and relationships with society through daily learning. This initiative provides a vital opportunity for students to recognize and act on health issues, particularly regarding UV protection. We hope this encourages students to take the initiative in considering their own health and using sunglasses as a means of personal expression."
Similarly, Professor Naoki Yamamoto from Fujita Medical University emphasized, "Children and students are more susceptible to UV exposure, and the amount of UV rays they are exposed to before adulthood significantly impacts their future eye health. This initiative by Zoff is crucial for reinforcing the importance of UV protection in daily life for young people."
Zoff is committed to dispelling any negative perceptions around sunglasses while emphasizing their role in protecting against UV rays. The motto "For the Eyes, For the Future" encapsulates the brand's mission to leverage its expertise in eyewear to address the evolving environmental challenges students face. Zoff aims to collaborate with educational institutions, parents, and students to instill this culture of UV protection within everyday life.
Recognizing the importance of traditional school rules and practices for maintaining student safety and discipline, Zoff respects these frameworks while fostering dialogue with educational environments to co-create a new standard of eye safety for the future.
Schools interested in this initiative are encouraged to reach out for more information regarding efforts to protect students' eye health from harmful sunlight.
Zoff Public Relations
Email: pr@zoff.co.jp
The Importance of UV Protection
As the Earth's climate continues to change, the amount of UV radiation people are exposed to is on the rise, and its effects on health, particularly on eyesight, are profound. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over half of the UV radiation exposure occurs before the age of 18, emphasizing the need for early prevention, especially among youth. In Japan, while sun protection measures like umbrellas and sunscreen have become commonplace, the adoption of sunglasses for eye protection remains low; only about 20% of students currently wear them.
Zoff has previously engaged in outreach programs at elementary and middle schools across Japan, educating both students and educators about the importance of eye health. This new initiative aligns with their goal to create a cultural shift regarding sunglasses, making them a natural part of school attire. To facilitate this, they provided 23 students from Joshi Seigakuin with expert lectures discussing the impacts of UV rays on the eyes. Following the presentations, students chose their preferred sunglasses combinations from 50 frame styles and 7 lens colors suitable for their school experience.
Selecting Fashionable Sunglasses for Daily School Wear
The sunglasses chosen by the students prioritize designs that integrate seamlessly with the school uniform and daily activities. Focus was placed on creating a balance between practicality and style, resulting in 7 final models selected as monitor-testing options. The feedback from students highlighted their preferences: "I chose this one because it matches my summer uniform and has a summery feel," expressed one participant, while another noted, "The pink lenses are subtle, blend well with my skin tone, and are easy to wear."
Approximately 90 students volunteered to test the sunglasses throughout the summer break, with Zoff planning to utilize the results to establish Japan's first "school-designated sunglasses" by 2026.
Comments from Educators
Naoki Okamura, head of the Health and Physical Education Department at Joshi Seigakuin, stated, "At our school, we value fostering the ability to think actively about one's health and relationships with society through daily learning. This initiative provides a vital opportunity for students to recognize and act on health issues, particularly regarding UV protection. We hope this encourages students to take the initiative in considering their own health and using sunglasses as a means of personal expression."
Similarly, Professor Naoki Yamamoto from Fujita Medical University emphasized, "Children and students are more susceptible to UV exposure, and the amount of UV rays they are exposed to before adulthood significantly impacts their future eye health. This initiative by Zoff is crucial for reinforcing the importance of UV protection in daily life for young people."
Building a Community Approach to Eye Protection
Zoff is committed to dispelling any negative perceptions around sunglasses while emphasizing their role in protecting against UV rays. The motto "For the Eyes, For the Future" encapsulates the brand's mission to leverage its expertise in eyewear to address the evolving environmental challenges students face. Zoff aims to collaborate with educational institutions, parents, and students to instill this culture of UV protection within everyday life.
Recognizing the importance of traditional school rules and practices for maintaining student safety and discipline, Zoff respects these frameworks while fostering dialogue with educational environments to co-create a new standard of eye safety for the future.
Inquiry for Schools Interested in Participation
Schools interested in this initiative are encouraged to reach out for more information regarding efforts to protect students' eye health from harmful sunlight.
Zoff Public Relations
Email: pr@zoff.co.jp
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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