Latest News VisionSpring and BRAC Help One Million Low-Income Consumers Acquire Eyeglasses in Bangladesh By Staff Wednesday, February 15, 2017 12:21 AM In Bangladesh, celebrating their one millionth pair, the VisionSpring leadership team are (l to r) Reade Fahs, Anshu Taneja, Ella Gudwin, Keerti Pradhan and Jordan Kassalow, OD. DHAKA, Bangladesh—VisionSpring and BRAC marked a special occasion here last week, celebrating that the partnership between the two groups had provided one million pairs of affordable eyeglasses to low-income customers, achieving major milestones both in scaling a social entrepreneurship model, and in expanding access to vision services in Bangladesh. The Reading Glasses for Improved Livelihoods Program, started in 2006 and undertaken by the two organizations, has successfully contributed to significant health and economic outcomes, an announcement said.BRAC and VisionSpring developed an innovative social entrepreneurship model to reach these low-wage earners, selling low-cost reading glasses through BRAC’s network of community health workers (locally known as Shasthya Shebikas). They offer free eye screenings, and have created a referral system for 609,915 customers (to date) who need higher-level care for cataracts and other eye conditions. Living in the communities where they work, the female health workers reach customers in the most remote areas of Bangladesh through vision camps and home visits. For 90 percent of customers, this is their first pair of glasses. The community health workers earn a modest commission from the sale of each pair of eyeglasses; since the program’s inception, they have earned a total of $450,000 in supplemental income. For low-income earners, eyeglasses are a simple, affordable tool that sustains productivity and earning power. Since the program’s start, it is estimated to have contributed to $110 million in increased income at the household level, based on an analysis of a study conducted by the University of Michigan. With a philanthropic investment of $3.50 per pair, the return on investment is significant. "Partnerships are central to our success,” said Jordan Kassalow, OD, founder of VisionSpring. “Our collaboration with BRAC exemplifies the power of bringing together two organizations that share a common purpose and ethos and possess complementary core competencies. We feel honored and privileged to have found such a wonderful long term partner." VisionSpring, BRAC, supporters, partners in the social enterprise, and global health community members gathered in Dhaka to celebrate the success of the partnership and honor the health workers and program organizers who have brought improved vision to people in 61 of 64 districts across Bangladesh. VisionSpring is a social enterprise with a mission to improve access to eyewear for earners and learners everywhere with radically affordable, durable, attractive glasses. Founded by Kassalow, VisionSpring has been internationally recognized by the Skoll Foundation, Draper Richards Kaplan, Ashoka, the Schwab Foundation, the Aspen Institute and the World Bank. It is a three-time winner of Fast-Company's Social Capitalist Award and a winner of Duke University’s Enterprising Social Innovation Award. The chairman of VisionSpring is Reade Fahs, who is also CEO of National Vision, Inc.BRAC is a global leader in developing and implementing cost-effective, evidence-based programs to assist the most marginalized people in extremely poor, conflict-prone and post-disaster settings. These include initiatives in health care, education, microfinance, girls’ empowerment, agriculture, human rights and more. BRAC was ranked the number one NGO in the world for two consecutive years.