Kyle Oleksiuk joined RestoringVision in 2021. A writer with experience in crafting professional writing that is clear, organized, persuasive, and valuable to its audience, Kyle has a particular passion for advancing the fundraising efforts of nonprofit organizations through his writing.
Prior to joining RestoringVision, Kyle worked as a grant writer for the nonprofits Breaking Ground and UPchieve. While in college, he worked as a journalist for South Side Weekly, and during his time there the Chicago chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists named him a finalist for a Peter Lisagor Award For Exemplary Journalism. Kyle holds a B.A. degree with a double major in English and Mathematics from the University of Chicago.
What do you enjoy most about your work at RestoringVision?
Since I began working at RestoringVision, the scale and impact of our work has been shocking to me. We are coordinating a solution to the vision crisis, a global problem that very few in the United States are aware of, at a very low cost, with substantial results. Every year, millions of people regain their independence, personal safety, and ability to support their families because of our work. That means an enormous amount to me, and I’m very proud that each new year RestoringVision scales this life-changing intervention even further.
Why is this work important to you personally?
My whole family wears glasses, and someday I will too.
Who inspires you most and why?
I’m inspired by a friend of mine who has changed the lives of several of his friends and family by going out of his way to be helpful, working hard, and being unafraid to accept personal and financial difficulties. I’m also inspired by our partners, particularly our smaller ones, who dedicate their time to making outreach trips that bring eyeglasses to people who cannot otherwise afford and/or access them.
What are you most looking forward to this year in your role at RestoringVision?
I’m looking forward to helping RestoringVision scale towards its goal of sustainably solving the global vision crisis, and to increase awareness and support of our work by developing relationships with new philanthropic partners. It will be an exciting challenge to make prospective partners aware of the impact they can have by joining RestoringVision in its mission.
What do you do in your free time when you’re not solving the global vision crisis?
In my free time, I play the guitar and harmonica, go to concerts, read, and take long walks. I’m lucky enough to live close to my family and a lot of the friends I made growing up, so I try to spend as much time as possible with them.
