VisionSpring Foundation
access to clear vision through eye screening and provision of eyeglasses to low-income people
- Bronze Certified 2023
- FCRA
- 80G
- 12A
- CSR-1
About
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Headquarters
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
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Since
2013
Vision challenges in India are a critical yet largely overlooked issue, with an estimated 550 million people in need of eyeglasses for vision correcti Read moreon. Uncorrected vision impairs education, productivity, and personal safety, severely limiting individual potential and eroding confidence. Addressing this challenge is essential for societal progress, as clear vision directly contributes to achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, education, and economic growth. Shockingly, 80% of blindness cases in India are preventable or treatable, yet remain undiagnosed, exacerbating poverty and hindering national development. The global economic toll of uncorrected vision is staggering, costing an estimated $272 billion annually. In India, an investment of $5.9 billion (Rs. 49,000 crore) in a Nationwide Clear Vision Mission could yield a remarkable 30x Social Return on Investment (SROI), generating Rs. 15 lakh crore ($180 billion) in economic benefits. This initiative could boost India’s GDP by up to 5%, enhancing productivity, quality of life, and positioning the country for stronger global economic influence. Addressing vision challenges is not just a health issue; it is a transformative economic opportunity. VisionSpring Foundation (VSF) is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing access to clear vision through eyeglasses. Through innovative strategies, VSF reaches low-income communities, offering eye screenings and affordable eyewear to those in need, improving lives and contributing to broader societal and economic benefits.
Issue
Uncorrected blurry vision is not just an individual hardship- it is a global economic crisis, draining an estimated $272 billion annually. Low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt, with around 1 billion people lacking access to this essential tool. Despite eyeglasses being available for over 700 years, they remain out of reach for millions, especially in developing nations. This is a solvable crisis. Research confirms what we know instinctively: eyeglasses dramatically increase productivity, sustain income, enhance learning, and improve personal safety. In India, vision impairment is a widespread epidemic, with 550 million people in dire need of eyeglasses. More than half of them suffer from preventable conditions that could have been avoided with access to simple spectacles. For the millions living on less than $4 a day, clear vision is not just a need- it is a lifeline. Children are particularly at risk, with the rising prevalence of myopia severely disrupting their education and mental health. Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is one of the leading causes of vision impairment, crippling educational outcomes and diminishing quality of life for schoolchildren. By providing eyeglasses, we can dramatically improve learning outcomes, increase literacy, and generate long-term societal benefits, including reduced crime rates and better economic prospects. For India's adult workforce, the impact is equally profound. Many workers suffer from headaches, blurry vision, and eye irritation, making even basic tasks like reading, using tools, or performing household chores nearly impossible. Drivers, too, struggle to identify moving objects at night, impeding their ability to drive safely. This not only reduces work quality but also limits earning potential. Studies show that providing suitable eyewear can boost worker productivity by up to 22- 32%, improving livelihoods and fuelling broader economic growth. The real challenge lies in accessibility. In low-income communities, many people have no access to affordable eyeglasses or view them as financially out of reach. VisionSpring Foundation’s solution- demedicalising eyewear and offering both reading and prescription glasses at affordable prices- provides a powerful remedy, ensuring that clear vision is no longer a privilege but a reality for those who need it most.
Action
VisionSpring Foundation (VSF) works towards providing access to clear vision through eyeglasses. The organisation uses innovative strategies to reach low-income communities with eye-screenings and eyeglasses. Annually in India, VisionSpring Foundation reaches more than 27 lakh (2.7 million) people with eye- screenings and corrects the vision of more than 12 lakh (1.2 million) people with eyeglasses. On average, 73% of VisionSpring Foundation’s participants acquire their first-ever pair of eyeglasses through See to Learn, See to Earn and See to be Safe programmes. To date VisionSpring through its mission has distributed more than 7 million (70 lakh) pair of corrective eyeglasses in India, creating more than $1.5 billion (INR 12,500 crore) in economic impact for low- income people. VisionSpring’s mission aligns seamlessly with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, contributing to a developed India by focusing on livelihoods, education, and health equity through accessible vision care. By enhancing economic productivity, improving learning outcomes, and fostering inclusivity, VisionSpring plays a pivotal role in advancing the goals of a prosperous and equitable India. The organisation firmly believes that achieving universal access to clear vision will accelerate India’s progress toward the Viksit Bharat mission, potentially realising this vision well ahead of 2047. VSF conducts large-scale screenings in schools, workplaces, Transport Nagars, and rural areas to identify individuals in need of corrective eyewear. This proactive strategy helps detect vision impairments early, connecting people with the resources necessary to correct their vision. In partnership with local health workers, NGOs, and government programs, VSF ensures that affordable, high-quality eyeglasses are accessible to those who cannot otherwise afford them. Key Programs: · See to Learn: Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is a leading cause of vision impairment, severely impacting educational outcomes and quality of life for school-aged children. The “See to Learn” program addresses this issue by providing eyeglasses to schoolchildren, teachers, and staff across 23 states in India, with 72% of recipients being first-time wearers. Aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the program ensures clear vision as a foundation for better learning outcomes. VisionSpring Foundation strengthens key government initiatives, including the Ministry of Education, the PM SHRI program, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to improve access to quality education and create a more conducive learning environment. · See to Earn: Many individuals experience headaches, blurry vision, and eye irritation, making everyday tasks like reading, using tools, or performing household work difficult. This affects work quality and limits earning potential. The "See to Earn" initiative addresses this by providing vision care to low-income communities, including weavers, artisans, tea garden workers, and factory workers across 24 states. With 80% of participants being first-time eyeglass wearers, the program aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by equipping adults with eyeglasses to enhance productivity, income, and economic stability. The initiative supports the Government of India’s Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM), enhancing workers’ employability and integrating vision care into broader health and productivity efforts, fostering greater economic independence and well-being. · See to Be Safe: Individuals often struggle to identify moving objects such as humans, animals, and vehicles, especially after sunset, making it difficult to drive after dark and judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. The “See to be Safe” program targets commercial vehicle drivers and transport workers across 16 states, with approximately 84% of participants being first-time eyeglass users. This initiative aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting safety and mobility for vulnerable groups like drivers and the elderly. Through strategic partnerships, including with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the program enhances road safety by improving the vision of drivers and allied workers, aiming to reduce accidents. It also aligns with the National Road Safety Campaign, ensuring both commercial drivers and pedestrians can navigate safely. The initiative further supports the Smart Cities Mission by promoting sustainable urban development, enhancing mobility and safety in urban communities.
Demographies Served
Cause Area
Impact
Since its inception, VisionSpring Foundation has made profound strides in advancing vision health across India, screening millions of individuals and distributing eyeglasses. These efforts have particularly benefitted vulnerable populations, including women and children, who face unique barriers to healthcare access. VisionSpring Foundation has made it a priority to target eye screenings for these groups, who are at greater risk for vision problems due to factors like increased screen time, socio-economic challenges, and lifestyle changes- especially post-COVID. By addressing conditions such as refractive errors, cataracts, and glaucoma at early stages, the organisation ensures timely interventions that significantly improve quality of life, productivity, and independence, especially for women who are often central figures in their families and communities. The impact of VisionSpring’s work is evident in the results: 63% of adults and 19% of children screened had refractive errors, and a remarkable 82% of adults and 73% of children who received corrective eyewear were first-time users. These numbers highlight the Foundation’s success in reaching underserved populations and bringing vital eye care to those who might otherwise go without. The initiative has had a significant impact on enhancing compliance with eyeglass use among children, a particularly vulnerable group within the community. By fostering a positive attitude toward wearing eyeglasses and ensuring that children have access to proper vision correction, the program is contributing to long-term improvements in their learning outcomes. This initiative not only addresses immediate vision correction needs but also supports sustained academic performance, boosts overall well-being, and enhances future opportunities for children. The programs have translated into substantial improvements in individuals’ lives, including a 85% improvement in night vision and an 80% increase in individuals’ ability to drive safely at night. Furthermore, the program has boosted efficiency in completing daily tasks, leading to increased income and reduced physical discomfort, such as headaches and blurry vision, which previously hindered many participants. A notable achievement of VisionSpring’s initiatives is the 90% improvement in the ability of individuals to read text messages, phone numbers, and perform household tasks, which has empowered people to engage more fully in both personal and professional activities. The Foundation’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) study has played a crucial role in encouraging the use of eyeglasses among children, leading to enhanced academic performance and improved overall well-being. In addition to eyeglass distribution, VisionSpring has placed a strong focus on early cataract detection and ensuring individuals receive the necessary treatment. The introduction of pop-in (ready-to-wear prescription) eyeglasses for truck drivers, which allows for immediate delivery of eyeglasses without long waiting periods, has further expanded accessibility for workers constantly on the move. This innovative dispensing method ensures that beneficiaries can obtain clear vision quickly, improving their safety and productivity without delay. Research, including the PROSPER study published in The Lancet Global Health, has provided robust evidence of VisionSpring Foundation’s impact. The study revealed a 21.7% productivity increase among rural agricultural workers in Assam who received reading glasses, further demonstrating the critical link between vision correction and enhanced productivity. VisionSpring Foundation’s ongoing work continues to transform lives by expanding access to eye care and significantly enhancing the quality of life for millions of individuals across India.
Programs
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See to be Safe
In India, 25% of truck drivers would fail the visual acuity test, highlighting a critical road safety concern. Impaired vision is a significant factor in road traffic accidents, accounting for 60% of such incidents. Vision is crucial for driving- 90% of decisions made behind the wheel rely on clear sight. Commercial drivers are particularly vulnerable, as uncorrected vision impairments compromise their ability to drive safely. Poor vision makes it difficult to spot pedestrians, animals, and vehicles, especially in low-light or nighttime conditions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, impaired vision affects their ability to judge the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles, leading to delayed reactions and poor decision-making.
To combat this issue, VisionSpring Foundation’s "See to Be Safe" initiative collaborates with commercial vehicle drivers and transport workers across 16 states in India. The program has had a profound impact, with 84% of participants receiving eyeglasses for the first time, highlighting its success in reaching underserved communities. This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6, which aims to reduce global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by improving the vision and safety of commercial drivers.
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See to Earn
Millions of individuals in low-income communities face the debilitating effects of uncorrected vision impairments, which severely impact their daily lives, productivity, and overall well-being. These impairments hinder their ability to perform essential tasks like reading text messages, newspapers, using tools, and managing household or repair work- activities crucial for self-sufficiency and economic stability. Uncorrected vision also leads to persistent physical discomfort, such as headaches, watery eyes, blurry vision, and irritation, further diminishing their quality of life and perpetuating cycles of hardship.
The "See to Earn" initiative, led by VisionSpring, tackles this challenge head-on by providing vision care to low-income communities, including weavers, artisans, tea garden workers, and factory workers across 24 states in India. The program has made a profound impact, with 80% of participants receiving eyeglasses for the first time, illustrating its success in reaching underserved populations. This initiative
is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1.2 (poverty reduction), SDG 8.2 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 8.8 (safe and secure working environments), and SDG 8.10 (access to financial services). By improving vision, the program enhances productivity, income, and economic stability, helping individuals overcome barriers to self-sufficiency and long-term well-being.
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See to Learn
More than 1 in 3 children are affected by myopia, and by 2050, over 740 million children and teenagers will be impacted by this condition. The rise in myopia cases has been particularly notable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated the problem. Vision impairment has become a significant barrier to education and well-being, especially for schoolchildren from low-income backgrounds. Undiagnosed vision problems severely affect academic performance and mental health, leading to difficulties in reading, concentrating, and engaging in classroom activities. This can eventually result in school dropout. Despite growing awareness, access to essential refractive error services, including eyeglasses, remains limited, further complicating the issue.
VisionSpring Foundation has been working to address this challenge by providing eye screenings and eyeglasses to schoolchildren, as well as teachers and administrative staff, across 9 states in India. Approximately 72% of those who received eyeglasses through the program were first-time wearers, highlighting the significant impact of the initiative. This work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.1 (Quality Education) and 4.5 (Gender Equality), as it aims to improve access to vision care and ensure children can fully engage in their education.
Impact Metrics
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No of Farmers/Artisans/Women Screened; No: of Reading Glass; No of Prescription Glass; No of First Time Wearers; Improved Income; Improved Productivit
Program Name
See to Earn
Year-wise Metrics- 2022-23 403396
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No of Children Screened, No of Teachers Trained, No of Prescription Glass; No of First Time Wearers, Improved Learning Outcome
Program Name
See to Learn
Year-wise Metrics- 2022-23 951273
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No of Drivers/Allied Workers Screened; No of Glasses Dispensed, No of First Time Wearers; Impact on Safe Driving
Program Name
See to be Safe
Year-wise Metrics- 2021-22 79885
- 2022-23 79885
Leadership Team
Demographics & Structure
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No. of Employees
100+
M&E
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Internal, External Assessors
No
Policies
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Ethics and Transparency Policies
No
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Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy
No
Political & Religious Declarations
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On Affiliation if any
No
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On Deployment Bias if any
No
Registration Details
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PAN Card
AABTV7365C
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Registration ID
231661855
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VO ID / Darpan ID
DL/2017/0165467
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12A
AABTV7365CE20196
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80G
AABTV7365CF20210
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FCRA
231661855
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CSR Registration Number
CSR00001721
Location
Other Details
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Parent Organisation
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Sister Organisation
VisionSpring Private Limited
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Type & Sub Type
Non-profit
Trust
Financial Details
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2021-22
IncomeRs.254,779,166ExpensesRs.122,682,339Admin ExpensesRs.24,935,703Program ExpensesRs.171,216,646Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it. -
2022-23
IncomeRs.24,813,287ExpensesRs.236,445,703Admin ExpensesRs.33,984,292Program ExpensesRs.196,595,027Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.