VisionSpring
Social Entrepreneur
Jordan Kassalow
Founded
2001
MISSION
To ensure affordable access to eyewear, everywhere.
Where they work
El Salvador and India directly and 20 other developing countries through other partners.
BUSINESS MODEL
Market-appropriate business models that train local people to provide the BoP consumer with access to high-quality, affordable eye care services through proprietary distribution channels in El Salvador and India. Also leverage partner's distribution channels.
Hub-Spoke model where centrally located optical shops function as a hub of operations for teams of vision entrepreneurs that act as spokes conducting outreach in the communities surrounding the optical shops. Shops also offer higher margin products the sale of which support the resource intensive work of reaching remote communities.
Annual budget
US$2.4 million for FY13 (Dec13).
Delivered to date
1,226,695 pairs of glasses delivered with a total economic impact of US$269 million.
Impact
A pair of eyeglasses increases customer productivity by 35% and daily income by 20% leading to US$108 in enhanced earnings per year per customer.
big plans
To sell 10 million units by 2020.
Our investment so far
US$1,000,000 in unrestricted grants.
