Building a Clearer Future with Pair Eyewear and EYElliance

Solving the Global Vision Crisis

Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to something as fundamental as clear vision. A world where children can see the blackboard at school and adults can work efficiently without straining their eyes or injuring themselves. This goal is becoming more attainable through huge efforts by organizations like EYElliance.

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly one billion people suffer from poor vision due to a lack of access to eyeglasses, and 90% live in less developed countries. Clear vision is crucial for individuals to thrive in all aspects of life. Eyeglasses enhance learning, promote literacy, boost productivity and economic gains for all.

However, access to proper eyewear is often limited in less developed countries and underprivileged communities. Many people live with uncorrected poor vision simply because they cannot afford a pair of glasses. This leads to a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities.

Transforming Millions of Lives in Underserved Communities Through Systemic Change

Fortunately, there are restless pioneers who do not accept where we are, who disagree with the pace of change, who lead us towards where we all wish to be. In 2015, EYElliance was founded with the purpose of creating a world where all children and adults can obtain high-quality eyeglasses where they live and learn.

Their mission is to accelerate equitable access to eyeglasses for the one billion people who need them, by bringing together organizations and resources to create sustainable and scalable global solutions.

EYElliance has been instrumental in driving global awareness of this critical issue and garnering support from individuals and organizations alike. We are proud to be a business that shares their values and commitment to making clear vision a global priority and bringing eyeglasses to underserved communities around the world.

Your own donation can help EYElliance to close the gap in access to eyeglasses around the world.

How EYElliance Address the Lack of Worldwide Vision Care

By working closely with governments, businesses and nonprofits, EYElliance has been able to create a powerful network and make significant strides towards their goal of creating routine, reliable access to eyeglasses for all.

Through their global and national strategies, EYElliance has reached new heights. The achievements shown below demonstrate the real, measurable difference they are making worldwide.

1. Public Sector Initiatives

The public sector plays a pivotal role in the quest to improve access to eyeglasses in low- and middle-income countries. EYElliance positions country governments to take the lead in providing clear vision for their citizens, reducing reliance on NGOs and international aid, and creating stable, sustainable government eye health programs. By integrating eye health into national public health and education programs, governments can take the lead and create access to eyeglasses for those who need them most.

EYElliance is currently supporting the implementation of government-led national eye health programs in three countries — Liberia, Uganda, and Côte d'Ivoire — all of which are making strides toward a future where clear vision is accessible to all.

2. Private Sector Initiatives

We cannot rely solely on governments to address the growing global need for glasses. To solve this one billion person problem once and for all, we need to think bigger. In the private sector, EYElliance supports local optical entrepreneurs to grow their retail eyewear businesses, in order to meet their region’s need for affordable eyeglasses.

Over 70% of the businesses EYElliance supports have female leadership and almost all have a workforce made up of over 50% women. Making this work not only crucial for creating access to clear vision, but a shining example of the transformative power of investing in female entrepreneurs.

MeetGeogette Ochieng Ndabukiye andBrenda Katwesigye Baganzi,the founders of Wazi Vision.

Female-ledWazi Vision, is the first prescription eyewear brand designed, manufactured and distributed in Uganda aims to meet Africa’s clear vision needs with affordable, high-quality eyeglasses.

Wazi's glasses are crafted by African artists, inspired by Africa's rich culture and history, and produced locally. Starting in their home country of Uganda, they invest part of their profits in programs to improve education and access to eye health and treatment.

Thanks toEYElliance's support, they have refined their business model, developed 5-year targets, and created new roadmaps and metrics that allow them to scale to achieve both profitability and social impact!

3. Ecosystem Partnerships

EYElliance collaborates with influential organizations to amplify its impact. These partnerships help support action and investment, to echo the voice on vision issues.

EYElliance ensures the issue area is prioritized on the agendas of key actors in global development, making the case for action and investment by cultivating new ecosystem champions that join in the solution and accelerate global scale.

EYElliance co-authored a first-of-its-kind report with the World Economic Forum, putting eyeglasses on the global development agenda. They commissioned UNESCO’s International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa to advance a compelling economic rationale for the cost-effectiveness of school eye health programs - initial findings were highlighted at the World Health Organization’s launch of its sector-uniting SPECS 2030 movement.

EYElliance continues to advocate for increased funding for USAID and its Low-Cost Eyeglasses Initiative and made a compelling case to the US Development Finance Corporation that optical businesses selling affordable glasses make for a high impact investment. To date $28M in US congressional funding has been unlocked.

How Pair Eyewear's Values Drive Our Partnership with EYElliance

Pair Eyewear was founded on the belief that everyone should have the ability to express themselves through eyewear. We strive to make eyeglasses affordable, high-quality and fun. Partnering with EYElliance felt like a perfect alignment with our values, as we both share the vision of empowering individuals through improved vision.

At Pair we Lead with Empathy. We understand that every individual has unique perspectives and needs. This approach drives our innovation and creativity to design products that resonate with a diverse customer base.

Commitment to excellence is at our core. We Strive for the Highest Standards which extends beyond the products we create for our customers. It extends to our dedication to making a positive impact on society, and joining forces with EYElliance is a true honor. We take pride in the support of empowering individuals to be bold and express themselves authentically.

We also believe in Collaborating Openly and Honestly. By working together with organizations like EYElliance, we can achieve more than what any one company could accomplish alone. We are proud to contribute to their mission and support their initiatives for clear vision around the globe.

Bringing Joy Through Pair's Customization

At Pair Eyewear, we understand that eyewear is not merely a tool for better vision; it plays a significant role in personal expression and enhancing life's memorable moments.

Our Top Frames are designed to express individuality and infuse joy into the everyday. With a quick and satisfying snap, you can switch up your look for any occasion. The ability to mix and match our Top Frames adds an element of fun while allowing you to tailor your look to fit your mood or the occasion.

We feel so lucky to bring joy to glasses wearers during key milestones in their lives. Whether it’s a child's first day of school, a graduation ceremony, or a new job interview, we believe that everyone deserves to shine brightly and feel confident in their appearance.

Wearing something that reflects your own unique style or interests, can boost self-esteem and help embrace your true self. Having you ready to step into any situation with confidence and assurance.

Feel the joy amongst our Pair Family. Join the community for a place to share special moments, daily positivity and discuss your favorite collections.

Seeing the Impact: The Story of Morenna

Morenna, a spirited sixteen-year-old girl from the capital of Liberia, embodies the transformative power of access to eyeglasses. Her favorite subject has always been science, but before receiving her new eyeglasses, Morenna struggled to see the blackboard. This significantly hindered her ability to learn and participate actively in class.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of EYElliance and a government-led school eye health program, Morenna was able to undergo a vision screening. Through the national public school eye health program, she received a new pair of eyeglasses to help her excel in all her classes.

Her newfound confidence has ignited her passion for learning and participating in school activities, inspiring her peers along the way. Morenna's story is a beautiful example of how access to affordable eyeglasses can break the cycle of limitation, empowering children to pursue their aspirations and contribute positively to their communities.

Every pair of glasses distributed is one step closer to ensuring that every child can view the world with clarity and hope. Together, we are creating stories like Morenna's across the globe!

How We Can All Make an Impact

Making a difference in the world starts with each of us taking small but meaningful actions. There are 3 big ways you can contribute to ensuring that eyeglasses are accessible for everyone.

From every new customer’s purchase of a Base Frame, a portion of sales is directly donated to support EYElliance’s mission of providing accessible vision care to underserved communities. By choosing Pair for your eyewear, you’re not just getting stylish, customizable frames—you’re also playing a part in improving lives by helping those in need receive eye exams and affordable glasses!

If you are feeling extra passionate about the EYElliance cause, you can check out their website to make direct donations and further support the efforts in accelerating access to eyeglasses.

Lastly, advocating for accessible eyeglasses is essential, and there are numerous ways to support this vital cause. Sharing this blog about EYElliance and their initiatives on social media can help raise awareness among your friends and family. By simply spreading the word, you amplify the support needed to ensure that everyone has access to clear vision.

Together, We Can Transform Lives

The work of EYElliance has already transformed millions of lives, but there is still so much more to be done!

The partnership between Pair Eyewear and EYElliance is more than a collaboration; it's a commitment to making the world a better place, one pair of glasses at a time. By focusing on accessibility, affordability, and community, they are transforming lives and creating a brighter future for millions.

If you're passionate about supporting this cause, consider joining the Pair Eyewear family. Your purchase not only enhances your own style but also contributes to a global mission of improving vision care for all. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the chance to see the world clearly.