RestoringVision works to address the unmet need for eyeglasses (primarily readers) for people living in poverty who have vision impairments, live in communities lacking access to eyeglasses, and have no available income to afford them, or both. Our Global Access Program creates equitable access to glasses for this population worldwide. A 2018 study verified that a simple pair of reading glasses increased productivity by 32%. For those earning $2 a day, this can mean an additional $140 per year.
Over 2.5 billion people worldwide have uncorrected vision impairments, which can be solved with a pair of eyeglasses. Of that, 1.1 billion have presbyopia- (age-related near vision loss), which a pair of reading glasses can solve instantly. Five hundred million of these individuals live in less developed countries and lack access to basic vision services and eyeglasses due to nonexistent eyeglasses distribution channels in their communities, lack of income to afford a pair of both.
RestoringVision creates equitable access to eyeglasses to address vision impairments eyeglasses can resolve. Our project provides basic vision screenings and eyeglasses to people living in poverty at no cost to the beneficiary. The ripple effects of clear vision are many, including increased productivity, sustained livelihoods, and independence, and the continued ability to perform everyday tasks.
Blurry vision can cause a highly skilled person to exit the workforce early and lose years or even decades of earnings, especially those who rely on up-close clear vision to perform their jobs. Our project will ensure that 100,000 individuals living in impoverished communities worldwide who have near-vision loss and who don't have access to eyeglasses receive them. In doing so, they may continue to earn a living, provide for their families, and remain productive members of society.
