Global Reach

Guatemala

< a Vision Entrepreneur candidate in rural Guatemala

Guatemala

Launched 2004

VisionSpring's Guatemala partner, Community Enterprise Solutions, supports a dynamic group of Asesoras Comunitarias ("Community Advisors") to start their own ventures selling eyeglasses along with other high-impact products, such as energy-efficient stoves, water filters, seeds, and energy-efficient light bulbs. With the support of VisionSpring, Community Enterprise Solutions has continued to enhance its MicroConsignment model and create a growing network of entrepreneurs and microfranchises throughout the country.

With its grassroots knowledge, deep business background, and strong local presence, Community Enterprise Solutions is the ideal eyeglasses distribution partner for VisionSpring in Guatemala. In 2006, Community Enterprise Solutions helped their Guatemalan staff and Asesoras Comunitarias form Soluciones Comunitarias, a locally-owned social enterprise registered in Guatemala that promotes the sale of eyeglasses and other products that improve health and productivity. Since then, several top-performing Asesoras Comunitarias have been promoted to staff positions as Regional Coordinators and are helping to mentor and support new Asesoras Comunitarias.

Soluciones Comunitarias also partners with Visualiza, a health organization with clinics in Guatemala City and Peten that uses the renowned Aravind model to provide high quality eye care to both paying and non-paying patients. Customers in need of advanced eye care receive a referral to Visualiza's low cost clinics.