VisionSpring

After years of decline in his bike repair business, Panduramgurao's family was forced to choose between fresh vegetables and school fees. Today, thanks to the $4 pair of VisionSpring glasses that keep him working, he no longer needs to make that choice. These same glasses enable Jhili to continue embroidering saris, Dionicio to inspect and harvest shrimp, and hundreds of thousands of others to work and live full, productive lives.

VisionSpring provides a unique, profitable business opportunity for women in impoverished areas. Since 2001, VisionSpring has empowered 3,800 women such as Lakshmi and Bella to launch successful businesses selling reading glasses. By spreading local access to affordable vision care for the first time, these women have become self-reliant, respected members of their communities. With over 400 million people in need of affordable glasses, their work has just begun.

With a pair of glasses, Dionicio can inspect his catch and provide a better life for his children. > read more

Bella Mnisi's wages go to funding the first school in her neighborhood. > read more