Canadian Department of National Defence Awards $2.9 Million Contract to Revision Eyewear Inc.

Revision to provide ballistic eyewear system for Canada's armed forces

MONTREAL, Sept. 24, 2003 – Revision Eyewear Inc., developers of unique, innovative and performance-driven eyewear, today announced a contract for $2.9 million with the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) to provide a ballistic eyewear (BEW) system to Canada's Armed Forces.

Starting next year, Revision will provide eyewear to all members of Canada’s Armed Forces conducting land operations. The 80,000 pairs will fulfill the immediate requirements in addition to operational and logistics support stocks for the two-year period following the initial delivery. The Revision BEW system will provide optical protection for Army personnel, particularly in hostile environments, where it protects against low energy fragments, and in arid regions for protection against airborne particles including sand, dust, etc.

The Revision BEW system consists of two easily interchangeable, one-piece protective shields – smoke coloured for sunlight and clear for night use – that lock into a slimline frame with microslot adjustable arms (See Product Visual). The lens shields are produced of optical grade polycarbonate, provide 100% UV protection and have scratch-resistance coating on both sides. For added comfort, a permanently attached soft nosepiece cushions the bridge.

Delivery of the Revision BEW system will potentially replace several existing eyewear items while standardizing and enhancing the level of optical safety for members of Canada’s Armed Forces. Furthermore, providing a single system is cost-effective for the DND because re-ordering, warehousing and logistic requirements are streamlined and accelerated.

“Ballistic eyewear is a vital piece of safety equipment for soldiers on operations,” said John McCallum, Minister of National Defence. “This contract will provide Canadian Forces personnel with state of the art optical refinements and will provide protection from low energy fragments,” Mr. McCallum added.

“Revision is pleased to announce this major contract with the Department of National Defence,” said Brent Sheldon, Executive Director, Revision Eyewear Inc. “Military procurement programs require adherence to strict standards. The fact that our eyewear met and exceeded the DND’s requirements proves not only that it is exceptionally well suited for Canada’s Armed Forces, but that it can also meet and exceed the requirements of other military, law enforcement and security agencies worldwide. We are currently pursuing these opportunities as part of Revision’s aggressive growth strategy,” Mr. Sheldon added.