2. Our Mission/Vision
What We Do:
VisionSpring creates access to eyeglasses to help those in the
developing world achieve their full potential
How We Do It:
Creating and scaling innovative eye care and eyewear distribution
models
3. Why Eyeglasses?
The Problem:
• Over 700 million people suffer from
vision loss worldwide
• Over 500 million people can have their
vision restored with a pair of eyeglasses
Lack of access to
eyeglasses causes:
• Loss of productivity and income
• Lower quality of life
• Cost of $3 trillion annually in global
economy
4. Why should eyeglasses matter to you?
• Additional income stream
• Diversified business opportunity
• Differentiate from other MFIs
• Become eye care provider/educator
5. Strengths of MFIs
1. Distribution
- Established networks in rural
communities
- Strong competency in finance/admin
services
2. Awareness
- Trusted source for interventions,
education
- Raise awareness of eye issues
6. How to create Micro Franchises
MFI
MFI
Provides glasses, $2.50 $3.50
training materials Manages
inventory,
identifies and Micro-
trains micro- franchisee
franchisees screens
customers
and sell
glasses
Customers
purchase
glasses and
immediately
benefit from
clear vision
7. Other benefits – Micro-franchisees
• Establish sustainable, proven business
• Provide a product/service unavailable in the market
• Avoid duplicating existing businesses
• Achieve job satisfaction & increased social status in the community
8. Other benefits – Customers
- Restored dignity/independence
- 35% increase in productivity
- Increased earning potential
$2 average daily income
x 275 working days/year
x 2 years (useful life of glasses)
x 35% estimated increase in productivity
$381 enhanced earning potential
9. Key Lessons Learned
• Dedicated person/team to manage the project
• Focus outside of loans (health, job training, business development)
• Micro consignment vs. micro loans: must prove the business will work
to encourage participation
10. Find out more about becoming a Partner
Caroline Misan
cmisan@visionspring.org
