JINS Launches Half-Price “First Glasses” Campaign to Encourage Eye Exams and Proper Vision Correction for Children 12 and Under

JINS Inc. announced a new initiative timed to coincide with the period when families begin receiving school health checkup results. The program aims to encourage children to visit ophthalmologists and support appropriate vision correction. Starting Thursday, May 14, 2026, children aged 12 and under who bring an ophthalmologist-issued prescription to a JINS store will be eligible for the “First Glasses Half-Price Discount,” which offers 50% off the frame price for their first pair of glasses at JINS. The campaign will run at JINS stores nationwide until Wednesday, June 10, Japan’s “Children’s Eye Day,” with the goal of creating an opportunity for society as a whole to protect children’s eye health. Vision tests conducted as part of school health checkups use Landolt rings and classify eyesight into four levels: A, B, C, and D. If a child does not receive an “A” rating, meaning visual acuity of 1.0 or higher, the underlying cause needs to be examined more closely, and many ophthalmologists recommend a medical visit. According to a survey by the National Federation of Health Insurance Societies, 45.0% of elementary school students judged to require medical consultation after school checkups had not visited an ophthalmologist. Data from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology also indicates that 56.9% of elementary school students rated “B” or below, meaning 0.9 to 0.7 or lower, were living without vision correction. In addition, it is estimated that roughly 40% of children rated “C” or below, meaning 0.6 to 0.3 or lower, remain uncorrected, a level that can affect concentration during learning and cause inconvenience in daily life. Reasons behind non-consultation and lack of correction include guardians not feeling the need for treatment and financial hardship. JINS sees this gap in awareness around the need for medical consultation, along with household financial burden, as factors that can prevent appropriate vision correction. The company therefore decided to implement this campaign to encourage proper ophthalmological visits. By significantly reducing the cost of a child’s first pair of glasses, JINS aims to support guardians and connect children with appropriate medical care. The campaign offers half-price frames for the first purchase by children aged 12 and under, helping ease concerns over an expensive purchase. Because the campaign requires a prescription issued by an ophthalmologist, it is not merely a discount program; it emphasizes the process of first receiving a professional diagnosis and supports the path toward proper vision correction. JINS has previously worked toward a society without myopia through initiatives such as special lessons for elementary and junior high schools by its Medical Strategy Department and the “More Outdoor Play Project,” which supports outdoor play from the perspective of slowing myopia progression. Through these “vision education” efforts, the company has promoted habits to protect children’s future eyesight. JINS has also worked to share scientifically grounded information through joint research with universities and collaboration with expert organizations such as the Myopia Prevention Forum. In stores, JINS aims to prevent children from developing negative impressions of glasses by offering a wide range of colors and spaces where choosing glasses feels enjoyable. The company also continues to develop high-function models and diverse lineups suited to active children and parent-child lifestyles, turning glasses selection into a pleasant family experience. Going forward, JINS says it will further contribute to healthcare and solving social issues while supporting people’s health. Professor Ryo Kawasaki of the Department of Public Health, Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, commented that there is a difference between what children think they can see and what specialists confirm as proper vision. Vision tests in school health checkups are an important opportunity to notice difficulties children may not be able to express in words. Children may spend time in a state of poor vision for various reasons, and what matters is identifying the cause through professional diagnosis at an ophthalmology clinic. Even when children believe they can see, refractive errors, particularly progressing myopia, are not uncommon. Appropriate vision correction, such as wearing glasses for myopia, can contribute to improved motivation to learn and better concentration, forming a foundation for healthy development. If a school vision test results in a B or C rating, which is considered a sign of difficulty seeing, children should promptly visit an ophthalmologist and accurately understand the condition of their eyes. The campaign is titled “First Glasses Half-Price Discount.” It offers 50% off the frame price for the first pair of glasses purchased, while additional charges such as upgrades to thinner lenses or optional lenses are excluded from the discount. The campaign period is from Thursday, May 14, 2026, to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the final day being Children’s Eye Day. Eligible participants are children aged 12 and under making their first purchase. Conditions include bringing a valid prescription issued by an ophthalmologist and completing the first registration for the “U-18 Passport” in the JINS app.