RestoringVision.org is a non-profit which sources New Reading Glasses and Sunglasses (only) and supplies them at nominal charge to two distinct groups; groups going on missions to developing countries and domestic groups serving the underprivileged.
Since our inception in late 2003, we have supplied over 1,800,000 glasses to people in 75 countries around the world and have worked with over 400 different mission groups. Read more about our mission.
In Developing Countries
Many different organizations conduct “missions” to developing countries. These missions may include eye exams and the distribution of (usually) recycled glasses. They may be medical, religious or general philanthropic. For these missions, glasses may not be a part of the core objective of the trip.
A typical optical mission requires that reading glasses represent from 40% to 50% of all glasses. Yet, most missions cannot obtain that many. In order to help these missions serve more people, we specialize in suppling reading glasses that are difficult to obtain elsewhere. Sunglasses are an important preventive tool in fighting both cataracts and ptyergia. These can be quite debilitating and affect people who live in tropical climates and work outdoors. They also protect eyes from dust and smoke.
For groups that are not primarily optical, reading glasses and sunglasses are an easy addition to their core mission. They weigh only 18# for 300 pairs and dispensing them is simple. No special training is required and the impact on peoples’ lives is dramatic–and immediate.
In the United States
Many non-profit groups assist low-income people in the United States. They offer food, clothing, shelter, job training and health assistance. In concert with local non-profits and their health care staff, we provide reading glasses so they can distribute them to their client base. For more information about obtaining or distributing glasses, click here.