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Zoff's Initiative for Eye Health at Setouchi High School

In a significant move, Zoff, a notable eyewear brand, has partnered with Setouchi High School in Hiroshima to implement a new policy allowing students to wear sunglasses during school life. Starting from June 3, 2026, Setouchi High School became the first school in Hiroshima to make this groundbreaking change, aimed at protecting young people's eyes from harsh sunlight and harmful UV rays. The initiative seeks to foster awareness among students about the importance of eye protection in their daily routines, particularly during outdoor activities.

Zoff's commitment to eye health extends beyond just providing sunglasses. The company has been actively collaborating with educational institutions to promote awareness about eye care. An example of this is Zoff's partnership with Urawa Gakuin High School's tennis team and cheerleader department, where they trialed the use of sunglasses during travel and warm-up periods before competitions. This step is designed to integrate UV protection smoothly into students' lives, especially during sports activities.

The Journey to Sunglasses Acceptance

On the launch day of this initiative, a special session was conducted for all students to educate them about the impacts of UV rays on eye health and the importance of maintaining a healthy vision. The engagement level was remarkable, with students actively listening and participating in the discussions. The principal of Setouchi High School, Mr. Haseki, expressed a desire to promote eye health among students, culminating in the official announcement that sunglasses would be permitted in school.

Mr. Haseki's own experiences with eye illness have fueled his passion for protecting students' eye health. He believes it is crucial for young people to develop an awareness of eye care early on. Aligned with Zoff’s values regarding UV protection and eye health, this collaboration aims to create an environment where students can seamlessly choose to safeguard their eyes during various situations, including commuting, outdoor classes, and breaks.

Cultivating Eye Protection Habits Through School Life

With the decision to allow sunglasses at Setouchi High School, the objective is to normalize UV protection habits through everyday school activities. The focus is initially placed on sports scenes, where sunlight exposure is often high. The goal is to create a natural environment where students can actively protect their eyes.

By encouraging the usage of sunglasses not just in sports but also during commutes and outdoor learning, the initiative aims to enhance student awareness and practices regarding eye health. The sunglasses selected for this project are the 'Galileo,' designed to be lightweight, flexible, and fitting snugly to ensure comfort during physical activities. The lenses effectively filter UV rays and glare from bright summer sunlight, making them ideal for prolonged outdoor use.

Zoff is committed to continuing its collaboration with Setouchi High School to communicate the importance of UV protection and to support the establishment of healthy eye care habits during school life.

Principal's Reflections on the Initiative

In his statement, Principal Haseki shared his personal connection to eye health issues, emphasizing the importance of students being mindful of their vision. He stated, "Seeing is not a given; I want my students to cherish their eyes throughout their daily lives." With the implementation of this initiative, students must now take ownership of their health and well-being, particularly regarding eye care during times of high sun exposure.

Fostering a Culture of Eye Care in Collaboration

Zoff aims to dispel the negative perceptions surrounding sunglasses and promote the importance of UV protection among youths and within educational settings. Through the slogan, “For Eyes, For the Future,” Zoff intends to leverage its expertise in eyewear to be a supportive partner in preserving students' eye health within the evolving societal context. They aim to work collaboratively with schools, students, and parents to firmly establish a culture of UV protection.

While it is vital to uphold traditional regulations and practices that safeguard students’ safety and order, Zoff respects this backdrop and endeavors to build a new understanding of eye protection alongside educational institutions.

Call for Collaboration

For those in mid-high school education who are interested in adopting similar initiatives, Zoff invites them to reach out for any discussions or inquiries on protecting students' eye health from the sun.
Zoff Public Relations: [email protected]