RestoringVision
RestoringVision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides vision screening and near-vision eyeglasses to people living in poverty across 150+ countries, operating two core programs and a 3,000+ partner network that reached 5.94 million beneficiaries in 2024.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersSan Rafael, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What RestoringVision does
RestoringVision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by Mark Sachs and headquartered in San Rafael, California, with the mission of providing vision screening and near-vision eyeglasses to people living on less than $2 per day who suffer from presbyopia. The organization reports having transformed 40 million lives across more than 150 countries since inception, reaching 5.94 million people in 2024 across 99 countries. Its operations are anchored in two core programs: the Global Access Program, which partners with INGOs, governments, and social enterprises to deliver at-scale interventions (serving over 5 million people annually), and the Community Outreach Program, which equips nonprofits and mission teams with affordable eyeglasses for medical and faith-based missions (reaching approximately 700,000 people annually across 100+ countries). The underlying technology is operational rather than digital: standardized vision screening protocols, dispensing training manuals, power testing cards, and self-screening charts available in English and Spanish, with a Director of Technology on staff but no disclosed AI, software platform, or app.
The business model is philanthropic rather than commercial. RestoringVision is funded primarily through grants from foundations (Founders Pledge $4M, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Livelihood Impact Fund, GitLab Foundation $633K, Dovetail Impact Foundation $250K) and corporate donors, supplemented by in-kind eyewear donations from major optical industry partners including EssilorLuxottica, FGX International, Warby Parker, and National Vision. A small e-commerce shop (shop.restoringvision.org) sells eyeglasses to mission teams and partner organizations at affordable prices, but this is a minor revenue stream. The end cost of screening and dispensing is approximately $2.50 or less per beneficiary, which the World Health Organization classifies as one of the most cost-effective health interventions.
Go-to-market is executed through a partnership-based channel architecture: over 3,000 partner organizations including INGOs, NGOs, governments, faith-based health systems (e.g., Christian Health Association of Nigeria), and social enterprises deliver eyeglasses through community health workers and government health facilities. Recent strategic initiatives include state-level government integration deals (Karnataka, India covering 216 facilities for 100,000 people), the Nigeria Presidential Eye Health Initiative (Jigi Bola 2.0 targeting 1 million additional Nigerians across 21 states), and Prime Ministerial Vision Initiatives in Grenada and Ukraine. RestoringVision maintains leadership positions on the WHO Global SPECS Network Steering Committee, UN Friends of Vision Secretariat, and IAPB Board of Trustees, using these advocacy platforms to shape the global presbyopia agenda.
RestoringVision firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RestoringVision
- Legal name
- RestoringVision
- Website
- https://restoringvision.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RestoringVision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides vision screening and near-vision eyeglasses to people living in poverty across 150+ countries, operating two core programs and a 3,000+ partner network that reached 5.94 million beneficiaries in 2024.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RestoringVision industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Humanitarian Vision Care Services
- NAICS
- Optical Goods Retailers (45613)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low Vision Rehabilitation (HLAKAKAJ)
Keywords
Where RestoringVision is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Rafael
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
RestoringVision business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Philanthropic Donations: RestoringVision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donations from foundations, corporations, impact investors, and individuals to fund its programs. Major philanthropic partners include Founders Pledge, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Livelihood Impact Fund.
- In-Kind Eyewear Donations: Optical industry partners contribute high-quality eyewear donations, including reading glasses and sunglasses, which are distributed through RestoringVision's partner network at low or no cost.
- Eyeglass Sales (Community Outreach Program): The organization operates a shop for ordering eyeglasses at affordable prices for mission teams and nonprofit organizations conducting vision care outreach.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cost per beneficiary for vision screening and eyeglasses |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
RestoringVision product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RestoringVision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides affordable near-vision eyeglasses and vision screening services to people living on less than $2 a day across 150+ countries. The organization operates two core programs—the Global Access Program (serving over 5 million people annually through large-scale partnerships) and the Community Outreach Program (equipping mission teams and nonprofits serving 700,000 people annually)—distributing eyewear donated by major optical manufacturers through a network of 3,000+ partners at approximately $2.50 or less per person.
Product overview
RestoringVision is a global nonprofit organization that does not offer a traditional technology product or SaaS platform. The organization operates two main programs: the Global Access Program, which partners with donors and implementers to deliver vision screenings and eyeglasses at scale (serving over 5 million people annually), and the Community Outreach Program, which equips nonprofits and mission teams with affordable eyeglasses for integration into medical trips and faith-based missions. The organization also provides Partner Training Resources including dispensing manuals, power testing cards, and screening tools. RestoringVision functions as a program operator and eyeglass distributor rather than a technology company, and does not maintain a product portfolio in the traditional sense.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Global Access Program A program that partners with INGOs, governments, and social enterprises to deliver vision screenings and near-vision eyeglasses at scale, expanding access to clear vision for underserved communities worldwide. Currently serves over 5 million people annually across global partner networks.
- Community Outreach Program A program that equips nonprofits and mission teams with affordable near-vision eyeglasses so they can integrate vision care into medical trips and faith-based missions in underserved communities. Reaches 700,000 people across 100+ countries annually through partner-led distribution.
- RestoringVision Eyeglass Shop An online e-commerce shop (shop.restoringvision.org) where mission teams, nonprofits, and partner organizations can order affordable near-vision eyeglasses for distribution during outreach programs. Eyeglasses are sold at approximately $2.50 or less per pair.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40 million lives transformed since 2003
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use RestoringVision
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
RestoringVision technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
RestoringVision partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- EssilorLuxotticacoreMajor optical industry partner contributing high-quality eyewear, technical expertise, and industry leadership to expand access to eyeglasses globally.
- One Sight EssilorLuxottica FoundationcoreFoundation partner supporting access to eyeglasses through RestoringVision programs.
- FGX International InccoreOptical partner contributing high-quality eyewear donations to RestoringVision's distribution network.
- Warby ParkersupportingOptical company partner contributing eyewear to RestoringVision's global programs.
- National VisioncoreCorporate partner since 2007; National Vision and 20/20 Quest Foundation support RestoringVision programs both in the US and globally including Mexico. Employees volunteer for mission trips.
- Jimmy FairlysupportingEyewear company partner contributing to RestoringVision's mission.
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)coreImplementation partner supporting Nigeria's Presidential Eye Health Initiative Jigi Bola 2.0, which is expanding to 21 states to reach an additional million Nigerians by end of 2026.
- AmericarescoreSince 2016, Americares has helped deliver more than 8.5 million pairs of eyeglasses across more than 100 countries. Partnership celebrated as decade-long collaboration.
- Food For The PoorcoreSince 2016, provided nearly 4 million pairs of eyeglasses through programs in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Haiti, Guyana, and Jamaica. Decade-long partnership celebrated.
- Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN)coreFaith-based health network expanding access to vision care for underserved communities in Nigeria through extensive nationwide facilities.
- The Carter CentersupportingGlobal health nonprofit partner collaborating on vision care programs.
- Government of Karnataka, IndiacoreState government partnership to integrate near-vision screening and eyeglasses into public health system, launching in Yadgir district with 216 government health facilities and 100,000 reading glasses.
- Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital (India)corePartnership signed in April 2026 to expand access to near-vision eyeglasses in Bihar, one of India's most underserved regions. Akhand Jyoti performs 180,000+ surgeries annually, 80% free of charge.
- iDrishticoreBengaluru-based social impact eye care network overseeing health worker training, distribution, technology integration, and monitoring for Karnataka program.
- Last Mile HealthcorePartnership launched August 2025 to train community health workers in Ethiopia; 200,000 people have received free eyeglasses across 8 regions.
- Vital StrategiessupportingSupporting Nigeria's Presidential Eye Health Initiative expansion toward five-million-Nigerian goal by 2027.
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)coreRestoringVision is an active member of IAPB, a global alliance of nearly 300 eye health organizations. Chief Global Affairs Officer serves on IAPB's Member Board of Trustees.
- World Health Organization (WHO) Global SPECS NetworkcoreRestoringVision is an inaugural member of WHO Global SPECS Network advancing WHO SPECS 2030 Initiative. Chief Global Affairs Officer serves on the network's Steering Committee.
- United Nations (UN) Friends of VisioncoreChief Global Affairs Officer serves on the Secretariat to UN Friends of Vision, elevating eye health within Sustainable Development Goals context.
- The Coalition for Clear VisionsupportingRestoringVision serves on the Steering Committee of this coalition uniting eye doctors, scientists, activists, and nonprofits toward universal eyeglass access by 2050.
- Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD)supportingJoined May 2026; global alliance of organizations committed to expanding access to high-quality healthcare in underserved communities through responsible medical donation practices.
- International Charitable Fund Contribution to Medicine Development (Ukraine)corePartnership launched late 2025 to deliver near-vision glasses to people affected by war in Ukraine; delivered close to 25,000 pairs since January 2026.
- Government of GrenadacorePrime Ministerial Vision Initiative 'Restoring Vision Grenada' launching distribution of 50,000 pairs of near-vision eyeglasses across the tri-island nation, integrated into public health system.
- Eye Doc In a BoxsupportingTrains laypeople to deliver vision care in 80+ countries; RestoringVision provides eyeglasses for their clinics, enabling large-scale vision care delivery.
- SNDIF (Sistema Nacional DIF, Mexico)corePartnership since 2018 has provided nearly 2 million people in Mexico with near-vision eyeglasses; collaborated on volunteer mission trips.
- Doctors for MadagascarsupportingPublic health NGO providing near-vision eyeglasses to people in Madagascar through partnership with RestoringVision.
- Rotary/RFHAsupportingRotary international partnership through RFHA (Rotary Family Health AID) for transforming vision care across Africa.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights5 records
RestoringVision competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- OneSight: OneSight is a leading global nonprofit dedicated to eradicating uncorrected refractive error, operating vision clinics and sustainable eyewear access programs in underserved communities worldwide. It is the charitable arm of EssilorLuxottica (a key RestoringVision partner) and is the most direct competitor in the global vision nonprofit space.
- VisionSpring: VisionSpring is a social enterprise that provides affordable eyeglasses to people living on less than $4 per day through last-mile distribution in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Both organizations share the same target population (low-income individuals with uncorrected refractive error) and similar distribution models via community health workers.
- New Eyes for the Needy: New Eyes for the Needy is a US-based nonprofit that purchases new prescription eyeglasses for low-income individuals in the US and abroad. It is comparable to RestoringVision in mission (eyeglasses access for underserved populations) though focused more on prescription glasses rather than near-vision only.
Broad incumbents
- Sightsavers: Sightsavers is a large international NGO working to prevent avoidable blindness and advocate for disability rights across 30+ countries. While broader in scope than RestoringVision (addressing cataracts, trachoma, NTDs), it competes for the same donor funding pools and partners with many of the same implementing organizations in target geographies.
- Helen Keller International: Helen Keller International operates global programs addressing malnutrition and vision loss in 20+ countries, including child vision screening and eyeglasses distribution in low-resource settings. It is comparable as a large incumbent nonprofit with overlapping vision access programs in RestoringVision's target geographies.
- Optometry Giving Sight: Optometry Giving Sight is a global fundraising organization that channels optometrist and industry donations to projects addressing uncorrected refractive error worldwide. Both organizations compete for the same eye-care philanthropic capital pool, though Optometry Giving Sight focuses more on training and infrastructure development.
- Lions Clubs International Foundation: Lions Clubs International has operated SightFirst and other vision programs for over 30 years, providing eyeglasses and eye care across 200+ countries. It is a much larger incumbent that overlaps with RestoringVision in low-income vision services, particularly through local Lions club mission distributions.
Regional players
- Clearly (formerly Clearly Contacts): Clearly is a Canadian online eyewear retailer with a 'Buy One, Give One' social mission that donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for each pair sold. It uses a similar purchase-funded distribution model and partners with organizations operating in developing countries, making it a comparable social enterprise peer.
Emerging players
- Peek Vision: Peek Vision is a social enterprise developing smartphone-based vision screening technology and school eye health programs for low-resource settings. It complements RestoringVision's distribution model by providing the screening technology that identifies presbyopia cases in community and government health system workflows.
Others
- EYElliance: EYElliance is a coalition of NGOs, donors, and companies working to increase government and donor investment in eyeglasses access globally. RestoringVision serves on EYElliance's Coalition for Clear Vision Steering Committee, making it a coordination partner rather than direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RestoringVision social profiles
Digital presenceRestoringVision financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RestoringVision leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles20 records
RestoringVision funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RestoringVision M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RestoringVision
What does RestoringVision do?
RestoringVision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides affordable near-vision eyeglasses and vision screening services to people living on less than $2 a day across 150+ countries. The organization operates two core programs—the Global Access Program (serving over 5 million people annually through large-scale partnerships) and the Community Outreach Program (equipping mission teams and nonprofits serving 700,000 people annually)—distributing eyewear donated by major optical manufacturers through a network of 3,000+ partners at approximately $2.50 or less per person.
Is RestoringVision a public or private company?
RestoringVision is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was RestoringVision founded?
RestoringVision was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RestoringVision based?
RestoringVision is headquartered in San Rafael, United States, in the North America region.
How does RestoringVision make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Philanthropic Donations are the primary driver. The others are in-Kind Eyewear Donations and eyeglass Sales (Community Outreach Program).
Who are RestoringVision's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are OneSight, VisionSpring and New Eyes for the Needy. Broad incumbents are Sightsavers, Helen Keller International, Optometry Giving Sight and Lions Clubs International Foundation. Clearly (formerly Clearly Contacts) is listed as a regional player. Peek Vision is listed as an emerging player. EYElliance is listed as an others.
Does RestoringVision have an API?
No public API is recorded for RestoringVision.
What industry is RestoringVision in?
RestoringVision's product category is Humanitarian Vision Care Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAKAKAJ, Low Vision Rehabilitation. Its NAICS code is 45613 and its SIC code is 3851.