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Latest News about Restoring Vision

Dear Partners and Friends of RestoringVision,

Thanks to your deep commitment to our organization, mission, and our shared vision, we have been able to help 1.3M people see clearly so far this year. While we are incredibly proud of this accomplishment, the reality is that the need for our services is much greater and continues to increase. Hundreds of millions of people have fallen into deeper poverty with less discretionary income. For them, eyeglasses are even less affordable and accessible than ever.

As we enter the final months of 2020, we have a unique opportunity to write the closing chapter of this year. We will get to decide how we will conclude our most unprecedented year. And with this in mind, we invite you to take one more big step to help those navigating the crisis with poor vision. Join us in bringing clear vision to the most vulnerable so they may remain safe and productive, employed and contributing for themselves and their families.

As always, thank you for being on this journey with us.

Best regards,
Pelin Munis, Ph.D.
Executive Director, RestoringVision.org

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PROGRAM UPDATES

A Journey of Adaptation and Resilience

During these unprecedented times, we’ve transformed and enhanced our work so that the gift of clear vision can continue to reach those who need it most – especially now when the insurmountable barriers to seeing clearly are further compounded by the pandemic.

We developed new ways to stay connected with our network of over 2,300 service delivery partners. This has enabled us to strengthen our relationships and build up resilience together.

We’ve also renewed our commitment to our partners by launching several new initiatives that allow them to continue supporting their communities and in-country partners, even in the face of this pandemic.

Photo credit: Food For The Poor. Guatemala. 2020.

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Let’s End the Year Strong Turning #GivingTuesday into #GivingSightDay!

#GivingTuesday, the world’s biggest generosity movement, is coming up on December 1st, and for the 5th consecutive year, we’re turning it into #GivingSightDay.

Our goal this #GivingSightDay is to help 50,000 more people living in impoverished communities worldwide to remain productive, sustain their livelihoods and improve their overall quality of life by restoring their near vision.

Celebrate generosity and the many ways Vision Brings Us Together by making a donation today. Each dollar you give will provide someone in need with a pair of reading glasses to bring them clear vision.

 

We have even more news and updates to share with you! Please click here for the full version of the newsletter. 

We have even more news to share with you! Click here to read the full version of this special edition newsletter.

Dear Partners and Friends of RestoringVision,

Together, we continue to navigate these unprecedented times. In these moments, we have the opportunity to define more clearly who we are and who we aspire to be. At RestoringVision, we look to our values to guide us: Doing good with integrity, being fiercely committed, and enhancing the lives of everyone involved. We stand to serve all because we serve humanity. Of this, I’m incredibly proud, today more than ever.

For millions of people, there are insurmountable barriers to seeing clearly that are further compounded by the events of the world today. The lack of access to glasses due to undeveloped or failed markets and poverty are the two most important barriers. Our partners break those barriers each time they bring glasses into a community where glasses are not available or affordable for those without discretionary income. For many communities in many countries, this is the stark reality.

This is why the work we do together is so critical. Thank you for making our cause part of your life’s mission and for continuing to take glasses to the field and donating to help advance our mission. Every dollar contributed, every pair of glasses provided to a person in need makes a difference, now more than ever.

Best regards,
Pelin Munis, Ph.D.
Executive Director, RestoringVision

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ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATES

RestoringVision Launches Initiative to Support the Ultra-Poor in Bangladesh

RestoringVision is thrilled to share that together with the Dr. K. Zaman BNSB Hospital, we launched the Red Card Holder initiative on June 1 to provide new reading glasses to the ultra-poor in the district of Sherpur, Bangladesh. This initiative is part of the Clear Vision Collective (CVC), an innovative network comprised of ten eye care organizations, including RestoringVision, as wel as the Bangladeshi Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The CVC’s goal is to provide new glasses and vision care to the residents of the district of Sherpur. It is expected that over 80% of the people receiving the glasses will be getting their first-ever pair.

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

One Hope: Restoring Vision

Due to the impact of COVID-19, funding of RestoringVision’s projects is more critical than ever. Our largest global health and humanitarian nonprofit partners work aggressively to provide much-needed supplies and services to the communities they serve. Their requests for glasses have grown during these challenging times. With growing rates of poverty and the vital role that glasses serve in maintaining a safe, productive life, providing clear vision is more important now than ever. These projects depend on funding from generous donors like yourselves. Therefore, we invite you to help make an impact on the lives of the most vulnerable and make a gift today.

Other Ways to Bring Hope Into Focus

Here are other ways you can support RestoringVision and bring hope into focus for the most vulnerable, now when the ability to see clearly is more critical than ever:

• Order a RestoringVision t-shirt here – NEW!
• Create your very own fundraiser on Facebook.
• Explore the many other ways you can give the important gift of sight during this health and economic crisis here.

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PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SERVICE DELIVERY PARTNERS

Giving the Gift of Sight in Your Own Backyard

As the COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on Americans, RestoringVision would like to invite our service delivery partners to support the most vulnerable in your local communities by providing them with clear vision. With our new distribution resources for safely dispensing glasses while social distancing, you can make an immediate and significant difference in the lives of people living in the US in disadvantaged conditions that are compounded by the pandemic. Order glasses today here.

We Now Ship Worldwide

Clear vision is needed now more than ever! At RestoringVision, we’re committed to doing everything we can to support the work of our service delivery partners and the people that you serve. That’s why we are now offering international shipping for those of you who want to support the critical work of your in-country partners. Contact us to learn more or place your order.

 

We have even more news and updates to share with you! Please click here for the full version of the newsletter. 

 

RestoringVision Extends its Gratitude to the Optical Industry Leaders Who Supported its “One Hope: Restoring Vision” Campaign on #GivingTuesdayNow

San Rafael, CA (June 2, 2020): RestoringVision, the largest global nonprofit provider of new reading glasses to people living in impoverished communities around the world, had a successful #GivingTuesdayNow with its “One Hope: Restoring Vision” campaign. Thanks to the support of 13 optical industry companies, RestoringVision was able to reach an audience of more than 1M people through digital channels.

Launched on May 5, 2020, #GivingTuesdayNow was created as a new global day of giving in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The optical industry companies that unleashed the philanthropic power of their networks in support of the “One Hope: Restoring Vision” campaign currently donate to RestoringVision through corporate gifts and cause-marketing programs.

“The passion and commitment of our Corporate Partners never ceases to amaze me. We’re grateful to them for rallying their networks on #GivingTuesdayNow in support of RestoringVision.  This crisis has compounded issues for those navigating it without clear vision, and our work has never been more important. Thanks to these companies and their constituents, our “One Hope: Restoring Vision” campaign raised critical funds that will enable us to continue serving the most vulnerable,” said Pelin Munis, Executive Director, RestoringVision.

Here’s a list of companies that brought hope into focus together with RestoringVision on #GivingTuesdayNow:

 

To learn more about RestoringVision, visit their website, or follow @RestoringVision on all social media platforms. To learn more about RestoringVision’s Corporate Giving programs, click here.

About RestoringVision
One-third of the global population, 2.5 billion people, suffer from vision impairment and its consequences. Of those, 500 million people only need reading glasses to restore their vision but live in impoverished communities with no access to available, affordable glasses. This is one of the biggest global health issues of our time, impacting people’s productivity, health, safety, education, and quality of life. RestoringVision is dedicated to solving this problem by providing new, high-quality reading glasses to people in need around the world. Since 2003, RestoringVision has helped over 16 million people see clearly in more than 130 countries, and it continues to impact millions of lives each year. This year, the Year of Vision, RestoringVision has a goal of reaching 20 million people helped by the end of 2020. To learn more and contribute, please visit www.restoringvision.org.

 

Dear Partners and Friends of RestoringVision,

These continue to be unprecedented times, and as always, our thoughts are with you.

Long days, fast months is how navigating the crisis has felt. I’m incredibly proud of how well our team has responded, with commitment, resiliency, and agility. As a result, we’ve been able to move from surviving the crisis to stabilizing our organization and laying the foundation to thrive. We learned that empowering people through clear vision is more important than ever, and our fast-growing distribution capacity in the face of the crisis is evidence of that. Not only does our work continue at RestoringVision, the demand to provide glasses is greater than ever!

For this reason, your support and contributions are needed now more than ever. As donors step forward to invest their philanthropic dollars into RestoringVision, we are able to serve more of the demand. As service delivery partners pivot with us by utilizing our new adapted tips for safely dispensing glasses to taking advantage of our new international shipping program, we are able to help the most vulnerable navigate this crisis with clear vision.

Because navigating the crisis is difficult enough, navigating the crisis without the ability to see clearly is nearly impossible. Thank you for your renewed commitments, leaning in with us, and continuing to make a difference in the lives and communities of those in need. Let’s continue to do our part and stay connected and strong together.

Best regards,
Pelin Munis, Ph.D.
Executive Director, RestoringVision

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ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATES

Important Changes Within Our Organizational Leadership

• After 16 years of service, RestoringVision Founder Mark Sachs has transitioned to a new role as Chairman Emeritus. Mark is pivoting his focus to key projects and speaking engagements on behalf of RestoringVision to encourage action and partnerships to address the global need for glasses in the developing world.

• David Chute, RestoringVision Board Member since 2007, has been appointed Chairman of the board of directors. Dave has over three decades of optical industry experience with an extensive track record of bringing success to for-profit and non-profit organizations. His strategic vision and leadership will enhance RestoringVision’s ability to scale and meet the growing demand for glasses in the developing world. To learn more about Dave, read his bio here. To read our press release on Dave’s appointment, click here.

• Kevin Hassey has been appointed to the RestoringVision board of directors. Kevin is currently the Sr. VP, Managed Care & Philanthropic Programs for National Vision, Inc. with over 30 years of optical industry experience. He has been an important advisor to RestoringVision since 2015 bringing invaluable knowledge and expertise that furthers our work. To learn more about Kevin, read his bio here. To read our press release on Kevin’s appointment, click here.

• Nira Jethani joins RestoringVision as Sr. Director of Finance. As we give thanks to our prior director, Ginny Quick, we welcome Nira to our team. Nira began her career in commercial banking and pivoted to the nonprofit industry more than a decade ago. She comes with extensive experience in creating and leading finance teams with ethical discipline and collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about Nira, read her bio here.

• Laura Rapoch joins RestoringVision as Director of Development. After an extensive recruiting process, the RestoringVision board and executive search committee have selected the organization’s new Director of Development. Laura brings over 15 years of experience in development, operations, and strategic management and is eager to grow RestoringVision’s fundraising capacity. To learn more about Laura, visit her bio here.

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES FOR DONORS

#GivingTuesdayNow – One Hope: Restoring Vision 

A tremendous thanks for our Corporate Partners and donors for supporting our One Hope: RestoringVision campaign. The campaign raised much needed funds that will enable RestoringVision to continue serving the needs of the most vulnerable during this crisis.
Click here to continue reading

Foster Grant and Sofia Vergara Partner in Support of RestoringVision

On May 20, our long-time partner Foster Grant and celebrity philanthropist Sofia Vergara announced the launch of their new Specs for Specs program in support of RestoringVision. For every pair of Sofia Vergara X Foster Grant eyewear sold, a pair of reading glasses will be donated to RestoringVision. We are thrilled to be sharing this exciting news and are grateful for their commitment to bringing hope into focus for the most vulnerable. Read a press release on this extraordinary news here.

 

 

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PROGRAM UPDATES FOR SERVICE DELIVERY PARTNERS

Our COVID-19 Response and Resources 

We value the importance of keeping our constituents informed on the immediate actions RestoringVision is taking during these critical times. We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and pivot and respond. On our new webpage, there is a section dedicated to our Service Delivery Partners.
Click here to continue reading

 

We have even more news and updates to share with you! Please click here for the full version of the newsletter. 

RestoringVision Appoints Kevin Hassey to its Board of Directors

San Rafael, CA (May 18, 2020): RestoringVision, the largest global nonprofit provider of new reading glasses to people living in impoverished communities around the world, announced the appointment of Kevin Hassey to its Board of Directors. Hassey will serve along an already impressive list of optical industry leaders and business influencers to guide RestoringVision into a successful future.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin as a new director to the RestoringVision board,” said David Chute, Chairman of the board. “Kevin has served as an important advisor to RestoringVision since 2015. His extensive optical industry and philanthropic experience will be extremely beneficial in helping the organization continue to thrive and meet its rapidly growing distribution capacity.”

Hassey’s career spans three decades in the optical industry. He is currently Senior Vice President, Managed Care and Philanthropic Programs at National Vision, Inc. – one of the largest and fastest-growing optical retailers in the United States. During the early part of his career, Hassey also held several positions at Luxottica Group, including Chief Marketing Officer of LensCrafters and Founding General Manager of EyeMed Vision Care. Following his time with Luxottica Group, Hassey shared his talents with National Vision, Inc. and became actively involved in optical philanthropy.

“Helping guide RestoringVision’s impactful work for the last five years as an advisor has been incredibly rewarding,” said Kevin Hassey. “I’m honored to now be joining the Board of this stunning and unique organization that has tremendous potential to improve many more millions of lives worldwide.”

“Our Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated and passionate leaders driven and committed to empowering lives by restoring vision for millions of people in need,” said Pelin Munis, Executive Director. “We are excited to welcome Kevin to our board and channel his expertise and passion into advancing our organization to its next level.”

The RestoringVision Board of Directors consists of David Chute, Chairman and President of i2C Ventures; Mark Sachs, Chairman Emeritus and Founder of RestoringVision; John Becker, Treasurer and President of Fort Docs; Erwin Cho, Secretary and Sr. Director of Service Strategy & Innovation of Kaiser Permanente; Reade Fahs, CEO of National Vision, Inc.; Chris Harris, Partner of FFL Partners; Kevin Hassey, SVP Managed Care & Philanthropic Programs at National Vision, Inc; Myles Lewis, CEO of General Vision Services; Jennifer Negrin, Founder of JJN Consulting.

About RestoringVision
One-third of the global population, 2.5 billion people, suffer from vision impairment and its consequences. Of those, 500 million people only need reading glasses to restore their vision but live in impoverished communities with no access to available, affordable glasses. This is one of the biggest global health issues of our time, impacting people’s productivity, health, safety, education, and quality of life. RestoringVision is dedicated to solving this problem by providing new, high-quality reading glasses to people in need around the world. Since 2003, RestoringVision has helped over 16 million people see clearly in more than 130 countries, and it continues to impact millions of lives each year. This year, the Year of Vision, RestoringVision has a goal of reaching 20 million people helped by the end of 2020. To learn more and contribute, please visit www.restoringvision.org.

 

“One Hope: Restoring Vision” Campaign Launches to Bring Hope into Focus in Response to COVID-19

San Rafael, CA (May 4, 2020): RestoringVision, the world’s largest nonprofit provider of reading glasses to people in need, is joining the #GivingTuesdayNow movement on behalf of the most vulnerable. Launching on May 5, 2020, #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity created as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Through their One Hope: Restoring Vision campaign, the optical nonprofit has set a goal of raising $150,000 to provide the gift of sight to the most vulnerable – people who are navigating through these trying times without the ability to see clearly. Thanks to a generous foundation gift, the first $150,000 raised will be matched.

“For people living in disadvantaged conditions that are compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, a pair of reading glasses can make an immediate and significant difference in their ability to take care of their health, safety and that of their families,” said Pelin Munis, Executive Director, RestoringVision.

On this global day of giving, the One Hope: Restoring Vision campaign is bringing together individuals and companies from the optical industry to unleash the philanthropic power of their networks, drive generosity and bring hope into focus for the most vulnerable.

“At RestoringVision, our commitment to bring clear vision and hope to people continues. It is our responsibility to serve this component of the health care for people in need, especially during times of crisis when the ability to see clearly is not only critical but essential,” said Pelin Munis, Executive Director, RestoringVision.

To donate to the One Hope: Restoring Vision campaign, click here. To learn more about RestoringVision, visit their website, or follow @RestoringVision on all social media platforms.

About RestoringVision
One-third of the global population, 2.5 billion people, suffer from vision impairment and its consequences. Of those, 500 million people only need reading glasses to restore their vision but live in impoverished communities with no access to available, affordable glasses. This is one of the biggest global health issues of our time, impacting people’s productivity, health, safety, education, and quality of life. RestoringVision is dedicated to solving this problem by providing new, high-quality reading glasses to people in need around the world. Since 2003, RestoringVision has helped over 16 million people see clearly in more than 130 countries, and it continues to impact millions of lives each year. This year, the Year of Vision, RestoringVision has a goal of reaching 20 million people helped by the end of 2020. To learn more and contribute, please visit www.restoringvision.org.

 

RestoringVision Announces the Appointment of David Chute as Chairman of the Board

After 16 years of service, Mark Sachs, RestoringVision Founder, hands over the role and is appointed Chairman Emeritus

San Rafael, CA (April 20, 2020): RestoringVision, the largest global nonprofit provider of new reading glasses to people living in impoverished communities around the world, today announced the appointment of David Chute as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Chute, who joined the RestoringVision board in 2007, succeeds Mark Sachs, RestoringVision Founder and Chairman Emeritus, who served as Chairman since the inception of the organization in 2003.

“It has been a great honor to have served as Chairman of the RestoringVision Board of Directors,” said Sachs. “I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments over the past decade and a half. We have helped over 16 million people access new glasses in 130 countries through our network of more than 1,800 US-based nonprofits and international NGO partners. We’ve built one of the lowest cost, most efficient organizations in the world. I am confident in our future and in David’s leadership as we continue to grow and expand our impact.”

David Chute has over 34 years of optical industry experience. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of ThinOptics, a global omni-channel eyewear company; and the President of i2C Ventures, a company he founded in 2003 that consults, commercializes, and invests in early-stage proprietary companies in the eyewear industry. “I am deeply honored to have been appointed as the Chairman of the RestoringVision Board of Directors,” said Chute. “RestoringVision is uniquely qualified to help tens of millions of people see clearly in the most efficient manner possible. I look forward to leveraging our strategic network of companies, foundations, international not-for-profits, and mission groups who – along with our team – are all united in the desire to restore clear vision to people in need around the world. I also look forward to working closely with Mark Sachs, our inspirational Founder; Pelin Munis, our dedicated and passionate Executive Director, as well as our experienced and dedicated Board of Directors.”

“This is a significant moment in the history of our organization. I’m deeply grateful to Mark for his vision, dedication, and passion which led to the creation of one of the most impactful nonprofits on the planet,” said Pelin Munis, Executive Director. “Equally, I am excited for what the future holds under David’s leadership. David brings a wealth of nonprofit and for-profit success and strategic vision to our organization, which will be critical to our ability to scale and meet the growing demand for glasses in the developing world.”

About RestoringVision
One-third of the global population, 2.5 billion people, suffer from vision impairment and its consequences. Of those, 500 million people only need reading glasses to restore their vision but live in impoverished communities with no access to available, affordable glasses. This is one of the biggest global health issues of our time, impacting people’s productivity, health, safety, education, and quality of life. RestoringVision is dedicated to solving this problem by providing new, high-quality reading glasses to people in need around the world. Since 2003, RestoringVision has helped over 16 million people see clearly in more than 130 countries, and it continues to impact millions of lives each year. This year, the Year of Vision, RestoringVision has a goal of reaching 20 million people helped by the end of 2020. To learn more and contribute, please visit www.restoringvision.org.

Dear Partners and Friends of RestoringVision,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families during these challenging times. Although it can be difficult to navigate the unknown, as people and organizations dedicated to making the world a better place, we know that through unity and resilience, we can continue to make a difference.

We understand that due to the circumstances many of you are having to evaluate, postpone, or even cancel upcoming outreach trips for your own safety and the safety of others. We want to let you know that we are here for you now, and we will be here when you are ready to reschedule your trips.

Whether you are taking glasses to the field or donating to support the various projects that need funding, we thank you for your partnership and ongoing commitment to empower lives through the gift of sight. Your support is even more meaningful at this time.

In order to be proactive and create a moment of happiness, we’re sharing with you below our “Stories of Hope from Around the Globe” mini-series. These are brief stories about the incredible work that you, our partners in the field, do to make the world a better place.

As we all continue to do everything we can to navigate through these challenging times, we invite you to remain optimistic and keep your spirits up. Let’s follow the example of the people we serve, those who have hope and never give up.

Let’s stay connected and strong together.

Best regards,

Pelin Munis, Ph.D.
Executive Director, RestoringVision

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STORIES OF HOPE FROM AROUND THE GLOBE