Oakley had an unexpected PR bonus on the back of the biggest feel-good news story of 2010. It has emerged that the rescue team in Chile relied on Oakley eyewear to protect the miners’ eyes when they were brought back to the surface in recent days.
There have been ecstatic scenes in Chile, and across the globe, as Luis Urzua, 54, the last miner emerged at the top of the rescue shaft.
According to the company, a few weeks ago, Oakley was approached by a Chilean journalist who was covering the rescue efforts and had recommended Oakley to the Chilean private health insurer, known as ACHS (Association Chilena de Seguridad), for eyewear protection for the miners once they surfaced.
Based on their requirements and full product specifications, Oakley donated 35 pairs of Oakley Radar with Black Iridium lenses in Path and Range lens shapes for the miners who need the protection of Oakley sunglasses as their eyes return to normal. Minister of Mining Laurence Golborne (who was leading the rescue) had asked to wear one of the extra pairs to show solidarity.
Oakley Radar sunglasses feature a single-lens shield that wraps around the eyes. This gave the miners optimal protection from sunlight – not just straight ahead but at the sides of their eyes also.
The Radar frames were matched with Oakley’s darkest lens. (A Dark Grey base was combined with a Black Iridium lens coating to balance light and reduce glare.) The miners’ colour perception may be reduced after the long period in dim light, and this lens is designed to maintain accurate colour perception.
The two lens shapes (‘Path’ and ‘Range’) were included with the interchangeable lens design. Both shapes provide excellent coverage, and the difference in shape allowed for variances in facial anatomy, giving each miner the best possible sun blockage.
The miners’ eyes were dilated, and this brings the risk of added UV exposure to delicate structures within the eye. Oakley Plutonite lens material filters out 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm.
Chile’s president has said his country will never be the same again after the extraordinary rescue of the 33 miners trapped deep underground for 69 days. Sebastian Pinera said he thought Chile was "more united and stronger than ever", and "more valued" worldwide.
