Adlens recently worked with its charitable partner Vision for a Nation and philanthropist founder James Chen to produce a special video feature in collaboration with the Associated Press.
The feature describes VFAN’s work in Rwanda and plans for the future, highlights James Chen’s vision and how Adlens’ Instant Eyewear and expertise supports this work.
The Associated Press sought Adlens and VFAN out for their unique story, and has independently produced the feature for worldwide distribution across over 200 major television and news channels. This represents a fantastic opportunity for Adlens’ social heritage and ongoing eyewear innovations to be recognised by a global audience.
Developed from an extraordinary philanthropic initiative into a global enterprise, Adlens has always shown a strong social commitment through its association with the VFAN Foundation. James Chen established VFAN with the aim of providing universal access to eyeglasses, one nation at a time.
The Foundation’s first nationwide programme is taking place in Rwanda, where there are just 14 eye care professionals for a population of almost 11 million people. VFAN is collaborating with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health in order to train Health Centre nurses across Rwanda in Primary Eye Care and this will provide all Rwandans with access to vision assessments and affordable eyeglasses.
Adlens has provided over 18,000 pairs of adjustable focus eyewear in the last 3 years for use in Rwanda, many coming from its ‘Buy One Give One’ programme. When a pair of Adlens’ John LennonT Collection, Hemisphere or AdlensFocuss eyewear is purchased, a pair of Adlens Instant Eyewear is donated into a ‘bank’.
VFAN can withdraw these ‘banked’ pairs of adjustable focus eyewear at no cost, and those who need them in Rwanda can then purchase a pair at the small fee of around $1.50. This fee goes to the Ministry of Health in Rwanda to keep supporting their ongoing developments in vision care.
As adjustable focus eyewear reduces time and costs associated with traditional lens laboratories, Adlens has the potential to truly revolutionise the way such healthcare is delivered. Ongoing improvements in adjustable focus technology are paving the way for ever more affordable and effective vision solutions for people all over the world.
Dr Graeme Mackenzie, Director of Regulatory and Industry Affairs at Adlens and optical advisor to Vision for a Nation, commented, “It’s wonderful that the Adlens and Vision for a Nation story has a chance to be heard by people everywhere. Vision is such an important part of life, affecting education, livelihoods and families across the globe, and so organisations like VFAN need to be recognised for the important work they are doing. Adlens is delighted to be contributing to such a great cause, and we’re particularly excited that our advances in the development of adjustable focus eyewear are playing a key part”.