Frequently Asked Questions

About RestoringVision

One billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed, 81% of which could be corrected with a simple pair of reading glasses. But millions of people worldwide lack access to the vision programs and glasses they need to see clearly.

We address this by partnering with our unparalleled network of NGOs and government agencies to provide life-changing vision screenings and glasses to millions of people who could not access them otherwise.

Clear vision gives people better opportunities to lead independent, healthy and productive lives, that help lift up communities and drive down poverty.

Adding glasses to your program or mission trip

We are the largest provider of new glasses to the developing world. We have empowered over 20 million lives with clear vision with partnership with more than 2,500 NGOs and governments serving people in need in over 144 countries. We provide new, high-quality glasses at the lowest cost and the highest level of impact and satisfaction.

Absolutely not. If you’ve ever watched people at a drug store in the US, you can see that people can tell for themselves when they have the right power. We have a Program Partners Resources on our website with useful tools and information on how to dispense reading glasses. This includes a short training video and a dispensing tips manual in both English and Spanish. Overall, providing glasses is very easy to do!

Glasses questions

We receive in-kind donations of new high-quality glasses from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. These companies may have excess inventory, styles that didn’t sell, or close outs. But the glasses are new and pass our strict quality control criteria. We also purchase glasses through a philanthropic program with one of our donors.

Yes. Our glasses are new.

Our glasses are high, pharmacy quality.

We offer +1.00 to +4.00 power readers and minus glasses from -1.00 to -6.00.

Over 2,500 US-based and international NGOs including but not limited to global health, relief agencies, faith-based, medical (including dental), optical, and humanitarian organizations, and governments have added our vision programs and glasses delivery to the work that they do.

Yes, we charge a nominal fee for our NGO and government partners.

  • Assorted reader packages start at $.50 per pair and specific strength readers cost $.60 per pair with bulk prices at $.50 per pair.
  • Sunglasses, sunbifocals, and children’s sunglasses cost $.50 per pair.
  • Single vision minus glasses $1.00 per pair.
  • Shipping is additional and shipping discounts are offered for bulk orders.

Our reading glasses are primarily meant for adults, however some older children can benefit from reading glasses as well.

We occasionally have children’s sunglasses; these are available online when they are in stock.

No, we don’t have a catalog, but we do provide glasses in a variety of styles that vary depending on donations. To see what we have available, click here.

Ordering questions

Our assorted reader packages come with some low, medium and high powers. The quantity per power is based on research and our experience in the field. For mission and outreach trips, a 300 or 500 assorted reader package is usually sufficient. If you will be seeing post-cataract or older patients, you can order more high power glasses. Or if you will be seeing more young adults, you can order more low powers. We also offer supplemental reader packages for those serving primarily older or younger populations.

Sunglasses are vitally important for eye health. Sunglasses provide eye protection from the UV rays of the sun, and blowing dust and smoke. Sunglasses can prevent the early onset of cataracts and macular degeneration, and are beneficial for those who have had cataract surgeries or have glaucoma.

The best way to place your order is through our website. Click here to visit our ordering platform. If you have a question or need help placing your order, you can contact us by sending a message through our quick contact form at the bottom of our website or send us an email to admin@restoringvision.org.

Small parcel orders are shipped within 3 business days and freight orders are shipped within 5-10 business days depending on the quantity. You should also allow for ample shipping time. Therefore, we recommend that you place your order as soon as possible.

Our experienced team can help you determine how many glasses you will need. If you need such support, please email us at support@restoringvision.org. Also in general, it is probably better to take more than you think you may need. If you have extras, a nearby clinic or other public health facility will gladly take them. In addition, you can take them back with you for a future mission or outreach trip.

Packaging questions

The readers and minus glasses are sorted into 20 pair bags by power and sunglasses into 10 pair bags. We also offer boxed glasses (100 units per box) for larger orders of over 4,000 pairs.

A typical carry-on suitcase can hold 400 pairs of glasses and will weigh about 30 pounds. A standard sized suitcase can hold about 50 pounds, which is the highest weight most airlines will allow without charging additional fees.

If you are shipping containers overseas, we can build the pallets according to your specification. The average standard pallet holds 9,900 glasses and weighs 500 – 1200 lbs. Pallets are not stackable.

Payment questions

You can pay online using our secure payment system. We accept all major credit cards.

Of course. We also accept payment by ACH, wire transfer and quick pay (e.g., Zelle). Send an email to support@restoringvision.org indicating what you want to order and we’ll get back to you with details. Please keep in mind that the glasses will not be shipped until the payment has been received.

Shipment and customs questions

Currently we ship within the US (including Hawaii and Alaska) and Puerto Rico. Please email us at support@restoringvision.org if you are interested international (outside of the US) shipping.

The cost for shipping varies from $0.05 to $0.10 per pair based on the product and quantity. Expedited shipping and shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are additional.

Typically, our partners do not have issues bringing glasses into customs. Some countries have stricter rules than others, so we encourage you to research the country’s laws before you travel. We will provide you with a letter explaining that the glasses are not for resale and are for donation purposes only. If you need anything else, please let us know.