On World Sight Day (October 9, 2025), global social enterprise VisionSpring announced a landmark partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies to expand access to vision care across Bangladesh, Nigeria, and India. The collaboration forms part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new $75 million Vision Initiative, a global effort to deliver vision screenings, glasses, and cataract surgeries to millions of people worldwide.
Through the partnership, VisionSpring aims to correct the vision of 3.1 million people over the next two years by conducting screenings for 6.22 million adults and 120,000 children, and distributing both near and distance glasses. The initiative is part of a broader target to screen 11.5 million people and distribute nearly seven million pairs of glasses globally, while restoring sight for 250,000 individuals through cataract surgery in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and the US.
"This is a landmark moment in the global effort to make clear vision available to all. We are incredibly grateful for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ visionary leadership,” said Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring. “Clear sight unlocks opportunity, dignity, and safety. Behind each of the 3.1 million pairs of eyeglasses is an individual whose life will change for the better, and with them, the lives of their families and communities. We’re proud to play our part in this initiative, alongside other global eyecare organizations, in a shared mission towards clear vision.”
In Bangladesh, VisionSpring will introduce its See to Be Safe program for commercial drivers and See to Learn for school-based screenings. In Nigeria, the organization is working with the Ministry of Health to embed vision checks and reading glasses distribution into primary healthcare services.
In Bangladesh, VisionSpring will introduce its See to Be Safe program for commercial drivers and See to Learn for school-based screenings. In Nigeria, the organization is working with the Ministry of Health to embed vision checks and reading glasses distribution into primary healthcare services.
Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential: “As many as one billion people live with a condition that is an enormous obstacle to success in school and careers: poor vision. And in most cases, it can be easily fixed. “Through our new Vision Initiative, we’re teaming up with experts to expand access to screenings, eyeglasses, and cataract surgeries – and empower millions more people to fulfill their potential.”
The Bloomberg Vision Initiative supports VisionSpring alongside leading partners including Warby Parker, Aravind Eye Care System, Sightsavers, and Orbis.
The Bloomberg Vision Initiative supports VisionSpring alongside leading partners including Warby Parker, Aravind Eye Care System, Sightsavers, and Orbis.
