Why We Partner with RestoringVision

restoring visionEyeglass World proudly partners with RestoringVision, and we wanted to share about the great work this organization does to help people around the globe with their vision problems.

Did you know that vision impairment is one of the world’s greatest health problems? That’s why the work of RestoringVision is so vital. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has a mission to:

  • Provide nominally priced sunglasses and readers to those around the world who otherwise would not have access.
  • Provide an easy way for the manufacturers of sunglasses and readers to donate their excess inventory.

Their vision is to sustainably grow in an way that allows both to fulfill their mission and be on track to distribute over 5 million readers/sunglasses annually by the end of the decade.

Why is this work so important? In many third world and poverty-stricken countries, glasses are luxury items that are unaffordable. Yet people living in these places suffer the same types of vision issues that humans everywhere experience. They need vision correction to help them read, perform daily tasks and complete job-related work. Vision protection is also very important in nations where the sun’s intensity is severe. People need sunglasses for the powerful UV protection that they offer against UVA and UVB rays.

In fact, the group estimates that over 500 million people in the world cannot see clearly due to a vision problem that can be easily corrected with a pair of reading glasses. Beyond that, serious eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts can be prevented or at least delayed simply through the regular use of sunglasses.

RestoringVision partners with organizations planning mission trips and other related aid-based trips to other countries so participants can distribute glasses to people who desperately need them, but may not have access. RestoringVision also partners with glasses manufacturers and distributors like Eyeglass World so they can offer the glasses at incredibly affordable prices. Groups working with RestoringVision are able to distribute the reading and sunglasses for free, or sell them at significantly reduced rates.

RestoringVision even offers training for those distributing glasses. Training could include information regarding glasses dispensing, adjustments for fit and testing for accurate glasses prescriptions.

If you’d like to learn more about RestoringVision or get involved with their great work, check out their website.