DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings announced a new philanthropic collaboration with Americares and longtime partner RestoringVision that will provide free eyeglasses to some of the most vulnerable populations in the U.S. over the next two years. The partnership will be executed through National Vision’s charitable foundation 20/20 Quest. Expanding its longtime support of RestoringVision, National Vision will donate $250,000 for each of the next two years for a total of $500,000. RestoringVision will use the donation to provide free eyeglasses for people in need through Americares partner clinics across the U.S. serving low-income, uninsured and underinsured families.

Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, supports nearly 1,000 clinics and health centers nationwide providing care to more than seven million patients in need.

“At National Vision, our very mission is to make eyecare and eyewear accessible and affordable for everyone,” said Jacqueline Grove, National Vision’s senior vice president of philanthropy; culture; diversity, equity & inclusion; and talent development. 
 
“And when we say 'everyone,' we mean everyone, regardless of insurance or financial status. We know that vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to vision care. By focusing on expanding access to vision care and glasses within these populations, we hope to not only make a profound impact on quality of life, but also help break cycles of poverty and inequity.”

Research shows that lack of eyecare and health can be a barrier to success in education, jobs and overall health. According to The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: Vision Beyond 2020 (February 2021), evidence shows that improving eye health contributes to reducing poverty, improving work productivity, general and mental health, and education and equity. The report also posits that eye health services should be inclusive and proactively address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups through targeted interventions.

Grove said, “Through this partnership with Americares and our longtime partners at RestoringVision, we are honored to be able to extend the reach of our core mission and also contribute to the advancement of health equity for all.”

Pelin Munis, executive director of RestoringVision, commented, “RestoringVision is thrilled to join forces with our long-standing supporter National Vision and our project partner Americares to help people living in poverty in the U.S. access to the eyeglasses they need. While we have focused our work on serving people living in impoverished communities worldwide, in 2016, we expanded our programmatic footprint to reach underserved populations domestically. 

"With this extraordinary gift from National Vision, and through our partnership with Americares, we will deepen our impact in the U.S. and bring the gift of clear vision to people in need over the next two years.”

Americares vice president of U.S. programs, Edith Lee, remarked, “Thanks to support from National Vision and RestoringVision, Americares expects to deliver up to 500,000 pairs of glasses over the next two years. This donation will improve health and expand economic and educational opportunities for tens of thousands of patients in need all across the country.”