IdeasLab 2014 - Jordan Kassalow - Why Does Vision Matter? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Vision Spring is an organization that aims to provide eyeglasses to underserved populations for increased productivity and economic development.

Key Insights

• 🪡 There is a huge demand for eyeglasses in underserved populations, highlighting the need for organizations like Vision Spring.
• ✊ Eyeglasses have the power to restore productivity and income for individuals, positively impacting economic development.
• 😎 Vision Spring utilizes a network of vision entrepreneurs and partnerships to ensure their glasses meet customers' style preferences and reach a wider market.
• 👓 The economic impact of eyeglasses extends beyond just the cost of the glasses, with significant additional earning potential for customers.
• 👨‍💼 The problem of vision loss can be solved globally for an estimated $26 billion, requiring collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society.
• 😎 Clear vision is crucial for learning and safety, with glasses having a greater impact on academic performance than other health interventions.
• 🍧 Road traffic safety is a major concern, with a significant number of accidents having a visual component.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does Vision Spring help underserved populations gain access to eyeglasses?

Vision Spring utilizes vision entrepreneurs and partnerships with existing distribution networks to provide eyeglasses to underserved populations. They dismantle barriers of awareness, access, and affordability.

Q: What impact can a simple pair of eyeglasses have on an individual's economic productivity?

A pair of eyeglasses can provide an additional earning of $108 per year for a customer, resulting in $216 of impact over its two-year life. This estimate is conservative as people often use their glasses for the rest of their lives.

Q: How does vision loss impact the global economy?

Vision loss affects the global economy by over $200 billion. Restoring vision to the 703 million people affected could result in full economic productivity.

Q: How does vision relate to economic development?

Vision directly relates to economic development through work, learning, and safety. Without clear vision, individuals cannot perform well in their jobs or education. It also affects road traffic safety, with many fatalities having a visual component.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Vision Spring, founded by a student, has helped 2 million people gain access to eyeglasses.

• Eyeglasses not only improve vision but also restore productivity and income for individuals.

• Vision Spring uses vision entrepreneurs and partnerships to overcome barriers of awareness, access, and affordability.