Regular visits to the ophthalmologist and preventive exams are essential for eye health. With this in mind, Ótica Chilli Beans is supporting the social action “Visão do Bem” for the 4th consecutive year in partnership with Instituto Velho Amigo. The project, which began in December 2021, provides free ophthalmological care and donations of lenses to elderly people served by the institution, offering support for exams and the production of glasses made by the brand.
The first stage of the campaign will take place next Saturday, the 31st, with the aim of offering ophthalmological consultations provided by Dr. Rodrigo Barros, from Goldie Saúde Integrada, who have supported the project since the beginning. On the same day, patients will be directed to choose their frames, with access to a wide selection of prescription glasses from Ótica Chilli Beans, providing not only visual protection, but also a dose of care and beauty.
The expectation is that around 300 elderly people will be examined, with the possibility of some being referred for surgery. In October 2023, for example, 250 patients received ready-made frames, while another 49 underwent cataract surgery, identified during a consultation with an ophthalmologist. The total number of prescription glasses from the brand offered in 2023 exceeded 550 units, including single-vision and multifocal lenses.
Caito Maia (Disclosure)
“Vision is one of the main senses of human beings, so the goal of the project is to expand ophthalmological care for the elderly by providing access to diagnostic exams, in addition to ensuring treatment for already established clinical conditions. This is extremely important to prevent the progression or possible complications caused by eye diseases, which can even lead to blindness. As a prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses brand, we care deeply about eye health and are proud to be at the forefront of an initiative that is helping so many people!” says Caito Maia, founder of Chilli Beans and Ótica Chilli Beans.
Since 2021, the project has not only promoted the eye health of the elderly, but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and commitment to the well-being of future generations. In total, the action has already positively impacted the lives of 719 elderly people who live not only in the Heliópolis community, where the project is implemented, but also expanded the service to 11 locations in Greater São Paulo. In this way, Visão do Bem continues to light the way to a healthier future for people in the community, such as Mr. José Santos, 77 years old, a former homeless person who received prescription glasses for the first time in his life, and also the four members of the Jardim family, who were thrilled to receive their first pair of prescription glasses. Before the action, most elderly people used items purchased from street vendors, which do not offer the necessary protection, have only an approximate prescription, and can even further damage their vision. Many had never worn glasses before, even though they had vision problems that made their daily routines very difficult.
“Many of these patients had never seen an ophthalmologist, which directly affected their daily lives, such as reading, watching TV and shopping at the supermarket and pharmacy. Through the project, which also serves more than 14 institutes of the City of São Paulo, they are receiving more than just glasses, but quality of vision and life. It is very moving to see them putting on the frames and seeing again with a sparkle in their eyes, it is priceless, it gives you goosebumps!” says Adriana Godoy, Chilli Beans franchisee and head of the Visão do Bem project.
In addition to Chilli Beans, Visão do Bem has the support of Essilor, which will donate all the lenses; Pátio Paulista Shopping Mall, which will donate transportation to take the elderly to different ILPI (Long-Term Care Institute) of the City Hall; Chilli Beans suppliers, which will donate cases, flannels and safety glasses; and Halipar Group (Grilelo, Montana Grill, Jin Jin and Croasonho), which will donate all the snacks. The delivery of prescription glasses to patients is part of the second stage of the project, scheduled for the end of October.
