Board Spotlight: Karsten Wolf, GVUSA Appointed Director

Karsten serves on GoodVision USA’s Board of Directors and is also a Board Member of EinDollarBrille e.V. in Germany. Having experienced severe myopia from a young age, he still remembers the moment he first saw clearly with glasses, and it continues to shape his passion for expanding access to vision care. After learning that nearly 950 million people live with uncorrected refractive error, he knew this was a cause he wanted to be part of. Karsten holds a master’s degree in economics and organizational science and has spent his career working in public institutions and nonprofit organizations. 

We caught up with him for a quick Q&A: 

Q: What excites and inspires you most about GoodVision’s mission?

A: “Being able to see is so simple. When you grow up with low vision, you might not even realize what you are missing. But putting on your first pair of glasses is an unforgettable experience. There are 950 Million people out there that just need that little piece of wire and two lenses to be able to see again. It is that simple. “

Q: What’s been a highlight of your time on the board so far?

A: “I have been to Burkina Faso, Liberia and India. Meeting our employees and patients has been a life-changing experience. People get a chance in life. The find work, they learn skills, they do a job anyone would be proud to do. They earn money for their families; they have a purpose and hope. Too few are this lucky.”

Q: What keeps you inspired to support this work?

A: “What we do is not just a short-lived project or an intervention. What we do is sustainable and can last for a very long time. We do not just distribute help and support – we build organizations that work.”

Q: What are the strengths, skills, and experiences that you bring to GVUSA to advance our mission?

A: “I’ve worked for the public my whole life. I have a lot of experience managing services that change people’s lives with very limited resources but unlimited needs. I solve problems, I devise strategies and help to set up systems in a robust and sustainable way.”

Q: What’s a fun fact people might not know about you?

A: “I started my career in the army and became an officer. People are very surprised when they hear this “But you’re so nice and never shout at people.””

Q: What’s a favorite book, podcast, or quote that inspires you?

A: “Earthsea by Ursula K. Leguine. She shows us that a different world is possible, people are good and will make the right choices, but life is still tough and paradise is enjoying it anyway.”