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AC Lens Teams up with Autism Speaks to Promote Walk Now for Autism in September

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) September 6, 2009 -- Contact lens wearers looking to support Autism in September need look no further than AC Lens (http://www.aclens.com). ACLens.com has teamed up with Autism Speaks to provide a quick easy way to donate to the upcoming Walk Now For Autism Speaks event.

Visitors at ACLens.com can donate to the charity event in several ways including through the homepage, adding a donation into their shopping cart, or through several quick connections to the Autism Speaks website.

"We look forward to partnering with AC Lens," says Kimberly Niederst, Regional Walk Director, Autism Speaks. "We are excited to build on the success of last year's Walk Now for Autism event and expand the ranks of both walkers and donors."

AC Lens will be matching a portion of donations received the entire month of September. Donations received at ACLens.com will be presented to Autism Speaks on the day of the walk.

"We're pleased to be a part of the Autism Speaks, Walk Now for Autism event," said Dr. Peter Clarkson, CEO of AC Lens. "Raising awareness of the issues and needs of autistic children is extremely important and the funds raised will contribute to much needed research."

The cause and cure of autism remain unknown although it is the fastest growing developmental disability. Some facts about autism include:

* 1 in 150 births a child will be diagnosed with Autism.

* 1 to 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Autism.

* Autism has an annual growth of 10 - 17%.

* Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.

* In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion.

Walk Now For Autism Speaks (http://www.walknowforautism.org/columbus/aclens) takes place Sunday, October 11th 2009 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH. The event includes a short walk, activities for children, educational information, with beverages and refreshments. Registration begins at 8:30 AM with the walk starting at 10:00 AM.

About AC Lens

Arlington Contact Lens Service Inc, dba ACLens.com, is a leading online supplier of contact lenses and vision care accessories. The company carries all major contact lens brands including Acuvue, Air Optix, and Bausch & Lomb. Vision care accessories such as sunglasses, reading glasses, and contact lens solution allows buyers to purchase all of their vision care needs in one location at industry low prices. ACLens.com offers users unique features including un-biased customer product reviews, quick re-order option, vision care blog, and the largest contact lens forum online. For more information, visit www.aclens.com, http://blog.aclens.com, or follow us on Twitter @aclens.

About Walk Now for Autism Speaks

The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, raising more than 29 million last year alone to support autism research, awareness, advocacy and family services. Last year, more than 70 Walk Now events took place across the United States, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. Toys"R"Us, Inc. and the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund proudly serve as national sponsors of the Walk Now for Autism Speaks program. Additional sponsors include White Castle, Limited Brands, Raisin Rack, AAA, NBC 4 and WCOL. Visit www.walknowforautism.org for more information.

About Autism

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. Wright also serves on the board of directors of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and Mission Product, LLC. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.

Contact:

Robert Drumm

Marketing Manager

AC Lens

1-888-248-5367

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