A simple pair of glasses can change the way a person sees the world, and at National Vision, we believe everyone deserves access to quality eye care and eyewear. Our business model is designed to ensure cost is never the factor that keeps people from seeing clearly. That's why we are proud to support mission trips that provide essential vision services to communities with limited access to care.

National Vision has been a longtime supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity International (VOSH/International) and Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH) to help expand access to essential eye care worldwide. Our contributions include donating prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses, as well as providing optometric equipment to support volunteers in their mission to serve communities in need.

"On my first day, I helped a child struggling in school because he couldn't see clearly. The only glasses with his prescription were too big, but when he tried them on, his eyes widened with joy-he didn't care how they looked, just that he could finally see. Moments like these remind me why I fell in love with optometry and its incredible impact." -Carlota Dickinson, SVOSH NOVA Southeastern College of Optometry volunteer

In 2024, we continued our commitment to global eye health by supporting 73 missions across the United States and 27 countries worldwide including Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru and many others. Through these efforts, our volunteers distributed 24,940 prescription eyeglasses and 8,900 pairs of sunglasses to people in need. Additionally, we provided more than 67,000 free vision screenings, helping individuals see more clearly and improving their quality of life.

These mission trips are made possible by dedicated volunteers, eye care professionals, and organizations who work tirelessly to serve others. From urban clinics in the U.S. to remote villages across the globe, each trip leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those who receive care, and those who provide it.

Among them is Robert Moen, O.D., who practices alongside Eyeglass World with Doctor's Exchange of Arizona, P.C. In January 2024, he joined a mission trip to the Navajo Nation, where he helped provide much-needed eye care. "We set up a clinic at a school, and the children were very eager and excited to wear glasses," he shared. "I am so pleased to be affiliated with a company that so willingly gives back to our society and supports its affiliated network of doctors in doing so." To read more about Dr. Moen's experience, visit his full story here.

We are honored to play a role in these efforts and look forward to continuing our support in the years to come. For more information about how National Vision supports efforts to solve the global vision crisis, including our support of VOSH/International and SVOSH mission trips, read about our Philanthropy here.

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