Medical-grade stainless steel spring steel wire + pre-ground lenses + portable bending machine that needs zero electricity = approximately $1 in materials. 

The frames are bent on-site in minutes using a simple machine (about 12″ x 12″). The lenses are manufactured to international medical device standards (Class I) in specialized facilities, pre-ground in common prescriptions, and can be inserted into frames in one easy step. 

These are not “cheap alternatives”—they are specifically engineered to withstand harsh conditions: sand, dust, extreme heat, UV radiation. They are durable enough to survive being run over by a car and easily adjusted if bent. 

The simplicity is the innovation. No complex supply chains, expensive machinery, or electricity requirements means we can reach people in remote areas where traditional optical care does not exist. 

▶️See how glasses are made

Dignity and sustainability. 

When people pay what they can (typically 2-3 days local wages), they value their glasses more and wear them consistently. Research shows adults who pay even small amounts wear glasses 70% more consistently than those receiving them free. 

How it works: 

• ~1/3 sold at local market rates (e.g., $8 in India, $5 in Kenya) 

• ~2/3 subsidized or completely free 

• All children receive glasses free 

• Anyone without income receives glasses free 

Sales revenue covers ~30% of program costs. The remaining 70% comes from donors. This hybrid model creates healthcare systems that are more sustainable while ensuring no one goes without glasses due to cost. 

As one patient said: “These are MY glasses. I chose them. I paid for them.” 

Read more about our approach

We currently work in 11 countries: 

Asia: India, Nepal 

Africa: Burkina Faso, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi 

South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru 

What makes us different: We do not just “work in” these countries, we are actively supporting the growuth and sustainablility of local vision care inrastructure. Each program is locally led by teams who understand their communities’ specific needs. 

Examples: 

• Burkina Faso: Our training program is government-recognized as the national standard 

• Brazil: Integrated into São Paulo’s health system, serving 420,000+ schoolchildren 

• Kenya: Piloting telehealth technologies, delivering vsion care to the most rural and remote communities

We call this our “hyper-local” model: permanent local infrastructure, locally-led programs, integrated into existing local health systems. 

GoodVision USA is part of GoodVision International (GVI)—a global alliance of equal partners focused on scaling access to vision care to the most under-resourced communities around the world. 

The network: 

• EinDollarBrille/OneDollarGlasses (Germany) – founded 2012 by inventor Martin Aufmuth 
• GoodVision Switzerland – founded in 2015 
• GoodVision USA – founded in 2019
• GoodVision France – founded in 2025
• GoodVision Austria – founded in 2025
• 11 program countries in Asia, Africa, South America 

Instead of top-down charity, GVI operates as a true partnership. Each member, including program countries, has equal voice in developing strategies, establishing quality standards, and sharing resources. 

GoodVision USA’s role: Our job is to raise awareness about the global vision care crisis and the unique, impactful and sustainable way GoodVision is solving it. We also work with individuals, organizations and companies across the country to harness the resources and goodwill to support and scale our programs around the world. When you invest in our work, you become part of a global movement with 13+ years of experience that is changing the way the world sees. 

Learn about GoodVision International

Investing in vision care is exceptionally effective because over 90% of vision impairment is preventable or treatable with simple interventions like eyeglasses, eye screenings, and cataract surgery. Without correction, vision loss perpetuates cycles of poverty—children struggle in school, adults lose employment opportunities, families face increased caregiving burdens, and communities experience higher rates of injury.

Research demonstrates that every $1 invested in vision care yields $28 in economic returns, making it one of the highest returns of any global health intervention (Seva Foundation, 2023). Currently, preventable vision loss costs the global economy $411 billion annually (WHO).

The impacts are comprehensive. In education, children who receive glasses gain 4-6 additional months of learning per year (Johns Hopkins). For employment, vision correction increases work productivity by 35%, while untreated impairment causes 30% lower employment rates (WHO). Health benefits include an estimated 12.2 million fewer cases of depression globally (Fred Hollows Foundation, 2023). For safety, addressing vision loss would prevent 320,000 road traffic injuries annually (Seva Foundation, 2023).

The solutions are proven, affordable, and scalable, making vision care one of the most effective investments in global development.

Since 2012, the GoodVision network has achieved: 

• 2.2+ million free eye screenings 

• 1+ million people with glasses (milestone reached September 2025) 

• 530+ sustainable jobs created 

• 13,000+ cataract surgeries coordinated 

• 11 countries served 

• $36 economic return for every $1 invested 

Why vision care matters: 

• Children who receive glasses gain 4-6 months of additional learning yearly 

• Adults with corrected vision have 30% higher employment rates 

• A pair of glasses can increase work productivity by 35% 

• Every dollar donated to vision care yields a $28 return (the highest on global health development) 

Vision loss costs the global economy $411 billion annually, but the solution costs less than $10 per person. That is why this is one of the most cost-effective global health interventions available. 

Read impact stories

View our annual report

We train GoodVision Technicians (GVTs)—skilled vision care professionals who conduct eye exams, manufacture glasses, and provide ongoing community care. These are not temporary volunteer positions; they are permanent careers in communities where employment is scarce. 

Training is rigorous: 

• Burkina Faso: 1,284-hour program (government-recognized national standard) 

• Cross-border mentoring (e.g., Malawi training Liberia’s new teams) 

• Annual recertification ensures quality standards 

We have created over 530 jobs that support families and generate economic ripple effects. 

The difference from traditional aid: 

• ❌ Old model: Volunteers fly in, distribute donated glasses, leave 

• ✅ Our model: Local professionals provide year-round care; when someone needs adjustments, there is someone to help 

This is empowerment, not dependency. 

Yes—all donaitons are 100% tax-deductible. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 83-1871284). 

Ways to give: 

• One-time donation 

• Monthly giving (even $10/month makes a difference) 

• Donate in honor/memory of someone 

• Corporate partnerships 

• Legacy giving (estate planning) 

Learn other ways to donate

Your impact: 

• $25 = covers material costs for 25 pairs of glasses 

• $100 = provides cataract surgery, including post-op care

• $250 = buys a retinoscope for vision screening 

• $500 = funds a full day of community-wide screenings and care

• $1,000 = trains a local eye care professional 

While glasses cost ~$1 in materials, getting them to remote communities requires trained teams, vehicles, equipment, and sustainable infrastructure. Your donation makes that possible. 

Donate now

Join the Frame the Future Alliance—our corporate partnership program for optical practices and vision care businesses. 

How it works: 

Contribute $1 per eyewear purchase (or choose a flat monthly/quarterly amount). All contributions are 100% tax-deductible. 

What you receive: 

• Complete marketing toolkit (window decals, posters, digital content, video) 

• Recognition on our website and social media 

• Quarterly impact updates 

• Minimal staff time required 

Why join: 

• Lead with purpose; align your brand with global impact 

• Build customer loyalty (69% of consumers prefer socially conscious businesses) 

• Empower your team with meaningful work 

• Tax-deductible contribution 

Setup takes 5 minutes. Marketing kit arrives within 2 weeks. 

Questions? collaboration@goodvision.org | 617-798-7986 

Yes! Our Ambassador Program lets passionate advocates represent GoodVision in their communities. 

What Ambassadors do: 

• Share GoodVision on social media (1-2 posts weekly) 

• Attend/speak at local events 

• Tell our story through personal networks 

• Connect optical businesses with the Frame the Future Alliance 

Time commitment: Flexible—a few hours monthly or more, depending on your availability. 

What we provide: 

• Complete welcome kit and digital resources 

• Virtual orientation and ongoing support 

• Monthly updates and fresh content 

• Recognition and impact stories 

No special qualifications needed—just passion for our mission and comfort sharing our story. 

Apply to become an Ambassador

Absolutely. Transparency is a core commitment. 

2024 Financial Breakdown: 

• 80% → Program work (vision care, glasses, training, local salaries, equipment, vehicles) 

• 20% → Fundraising & administration (donor communications, compliance, technology, marketing) 

Why glasses cost more than $1 to deliver: 

Yes, materials cost ~$1. But reaching remote communities requires: 

• Trained local teams (year-round salaries) 

• Reliable vehicles for rough terrain 

• Quality diagnostic equipment 

• Ongoing training and certification 

• Professional clinic spaces 

• Digital patient tracking systems 

Your donation funds the complete system. 

Full transparency: 

📕 View our Annual Report 

📊 See audited financial statements 

We are audited annually by an independent firm and maintain full 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.