SAN RAFAEL, Calif.—RestoringVision announced that it has distributed 5 million pairs of reading glasses and sunglasses in developing countries, marking a major milestone in the organization’s 13-year history. More than half of the distribution has occurred in the past two years.

“We provide new, high quality, affordable readers and sunglasses for medical, vision, faith-based and general philanthropic groups,” said Mark Sachs, founder of RestoringVision. “There has been a paradigm shift in how we work that’s increasing our outreach. Short-term mission trips have been our base, but we’ve recently moved to supplying permanent clinics, resulting in astounding growth. From 2014 to 2015, we increased distribution from 500,000 to 2.5 million.”

RestoringVision works directly with global health organizations in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Haiti, Ukraine, Peru, South Sudan, Uganda and more. The organization, whose mission is to give the “gift of sight” to people who otherwise lack resources, has partnered with several humanitarian organizations such as Food for the Poor; the Catholic Medical Mission Board; AmeriCares; Mission to the World, VOSH and the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.

Through donations of excess inventory, cash gifts and sponsorship RestoringVision is able to fulfill its mission.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of all our partners, including FGX International, National Vision Inc. (through its America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses brand) and Walmart” said Sachs. “ Additionally, EyeCare Partners, including Clarkson Eyecare, EyeCare Associates, eyecarecenter, and Thoma & Sutton Eye Care as well as Jimmy Fairly (France), Solo Eyewear and Jonas Paul Eyewear have provided “Buy One Give One” support programs,” Sachs added.

For more information visit RestoringVision.org, the organization said.