We aim to create a virtuous circle of education, health improvement, economic development, and environmental protection – all key elements of sustainable development.

• Local production: Our glasses are manufactured on site in the program country, creating local jobs. Our bending machine does not require electricity and can be used anywhere.
• Training: Locals complete rigorous training to become GVTs. They learn to perform vision screenings, to manufacture and fit glasses. This creates long-term employment opportunities with living wages and helps address the significant lack of vision care professionals.
• Affordability: The price of eyeglasses sold in optical shops is often comparable to prices in Europe or the US, even though wages do not compare. The average person simply cannot afford those. We fill that gap.
• Health and education: Lack of clear vision is a pathway into poverty. We are learning that impaired vision can also contribute to mental health problems. Children give up at school if seeing the blackboard is a struggle and teachers give up on them believing that they aren’t trying. When children do not thrive at school, they cannot access the professional opportunities needed to support their families.
• Environmental friendliness: The spectacle frames are made from lightweight, flexible and durable materials that can be easily repaired and updated with new lenses as needed conserving resources.
• Self-sustaining model: Our local organizations contribute to the operational cost by generating income through the sale of glasses.
• Scalability: Our program is easily replicable initially designed with the capacity to expand into new regions.
• Social inclusion: Giving people access to affordable visual aids empowers them to participate in society and contribute to the community.