Eyewear Brand 'Zoff' Launches 'For Eyes, For Future Project' in Collaboration with Educational Institutions, Industry, and Other Stakeholders to Promote Eye Health Awareness and Protective Behaviors

Zoff (Zoff), the eyewear brand operated by Inter-Mestic Co., Ltd., has launched the 'For Eyes, For Future Project' on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. This new initiative, developed in collaboration with diverse stakeholders including educational institutions and industry sectors, aims to spread accurate knowledge about eye health and encourage protective behaviors for the eyes.

In recent years, the environment surrounding our eyes has drastically changed due to the widespread use of digital devices leading to earlier onset and increased prevalence of myopia, as well as rising UV exposure increasing the risk of eye diseases. Meanwhile, many children who need vision correction do not receive proper care. Middle and high school students, as well as workers who spend long hours outdoors and are thus more exposed to UV radiation, still lack the habit of wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes. Since eye damage is irreversible once sustained, proactive preventive measures are essential.

In response, Zoff is redefining the value of eyewear—not only as a tool for vision correction, but also as 'eyewear for protecting the future' of individuals and society—and launching this new project.

This project will be advanced in partnership with those directly facing eye-related challenges. One of its key action goals is to increase Japan’s sunglasses usage rate—which stood at 24.5% in 2025—from the current level to 50% by 2030.

*Based on GfK survey conducted by the company, targeting men and women aged 6 to 69 in Japan.

By working together with stakeholders to spread accurate knowledge and inspire behavioral change, Zoff aims to contribute not only to individual health but also to societal well-being.

For more details about the project, please visit the official 'For Eyes, For Future Project' website below.

Official 'For Eyes, For Future Project' Website

https://www.zoff.com/sustainability/future-eyeproject/

The Necessity of the 'For Eyes, For Future Project' from an Environmental Perspective

Comment from Professor Naoki Yamamoto, Fujita Health University / Yamaguchi Tokyo University of Science

Our 'eyes' are one of the most vital organs for connecting with the world and leading a fulfilling life throughout our lifetime. However, in modern society, serious social issues related to eye health—such as the earlier onset of myopia in children, UV exposure risks for students and communities, and occupational eye diseases among workers—are becoming apparent across all generations.

Protecting eye health not only helps maintain vision but also expands each individual’s potential for a rich and fulfilling 'future.' Based on medical evidence, we aim to communicate the importance of eye care to every corner of daily life and local communities, and we hope to contribute to creating a healthier future for everyone.

The Economic Rationale Behind the 'For Eyes, For Future Project'

Comment from Professor Shintaro Yamaguchi, Graduate School of Economics, The University of Tokyo

The ability to 'see' is the foundation for learning and working. Research has shown that children with poor vision improve academically when they wear glasses, and workers’ productivity increases with proper vision correction. When considering the long-term societal impact, such actions are highly cost-effective. Protecting health is not only about expanding individual potential, but also an investment that enriches society as a whole. From an economic standpoint, I fully support this project that supports people from childhood through working age.

Key Challenges and Concrete Actions of the 'For Eyes, For Future Project'

① 'For Children’s Eyes, For the Future': Ensuring Children’s Learning and Opportunities Are Not Lost Due to Poor Vision

While children’s vision is deteriorating due to increased digital device usage and changing lifestyles, Zoff’s survey※ reveals that about half of children who need vision correction are not receiving appropriate care. This is believed to stem from a lack of accurate knowledge about vision correction and negative perceptions such as 'glasses are fragile' or 'glasses get in the way during sports.'

In response, Zoff is collaborating with schools and sports organizations to create an environment where all children can confidently maintain proper vision correction, supporting their learning and opportunities to challenge themselves.

*Reference: 'Survey on Children's Eyeglasses' https://www.zoff.com/zoff-focus/20260422-7596/

● Implementation of Outreach Lessons

Zoff conducts outreach programs titled 'Zoff’s Eyewear Outreach Lessons' in schools, primarily elementary schools, targeting students, parents, and educators to educate them about eye anatomy and health. To date, approximately 18,600 participants—including children, students, teachers, and parents—from 188 schools* have taken part. Zoff has now partnered with the Japan Dodgeball Association and plans to expand its activities with various stakeholders to promote awareness and behavioral change regarding eye health.

*As of the end of June 2026

● Field Introduction of Durable Glasses 'Galileo' | Initial Rollout Planned at Shimotsuma First High School (Ibaraki Prefecture) and Setouchi High School (Hiroshima Prefecture)

'Galileo' is a pair of glasses designed to be the most durable in Zoff’s history, with frames made entirely from rubber material without any metal components. In response to the reality that children avoid sports due to poor vision or refrain from outdoor play due to concerns about breaking their glasses, Zoff is collaborating with educational institutions and sports organizations to promote the adoption of 'Galileo' among students. This time, Zoff will introduce 'Galileo' into sports settings such as physical education classes at Shimotsuma First High School and Setouchi High School. Through 'Galileo,' Zoff aims to not only address vision deterioration but also preserve children’s opportunities to play and exercise outdoors.

For more details about this initiative, please visit the official website below.

https://www.zoff.com/sustainability/future-eyeproject/kids-eyehealth/

② 'For Middle and High School Students’ Eyes, For the Future': Protecting Students’ Eyes from UV Radiation and Promoting the Habit of Wearing Sunglasses

UV exposure has been increasing year by year due to environmental changes. Children’s lenses are more transparent than adults’, allowing more UV rays to pass through. Middle and high school students, who spend long hours at school, are particularly vulnerable and thus require strong UV protection for their eyes. However, in Japan, the culture of wearing sunglasses daily for UV protection is not yet well established, and the sunglasses usage rate among children from elementary to high school remains at only about 11.5%※.

*Based on GfK survey conducted by the company, targeting parents of children aged 6–17 in Japan.

Driven by this sense of urgency, Zoff launched the 'Student UV Protection Action' in 2025, collaborating with middle and high school stakeholders to promote