OneSight plans to expand its programming to three new countries in 2019.
The organization will host charitable vision clinics in remote communities across Jordan, Mongolia and Nepal, reaching those who otherwise would have no way to get an eye exam and glasses.
Through the use of mobile vision care technologies and manufacturing solutions, OneSight is “leading the charge to help the world see and proving their commitment to delivering vision care anytime and anywhere,” according to a press release from the organization.
On a recent expedition to the Amazon, OneSight “validated that mobile technology will not only enable the organization to see more patients, but will also empower a more agile response to vision need around the globe,” the release states.
“The Amazon clinic demonstrated OneSight’s capability to respond to vision need in one of the most remote communities in the world,” said K-T Overbey, OneSight president and executive director. “Through programming innovation and technology, we are able to expand programming to reach even more communities, anytime and anywhere.”
In Jordan, OneSight will provide thousands of Syrian refugees from the Al Zaatari and Al Zarqa camps with free vision care and glasses. OneSight has built a local partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ministry of Health, who will provide the facility for the clinic and on the ground support.
Southeast Asia currently has some of the world’s worst vision impairment problems. OneSight will be using a new nimble clinic approach to reach remote communities in Nepal and students in Mongolia who would otherwise not have access to vision care. The approach will include a smaller team and lightweight, accurate, reliable and mobile equipment. In both Mongolia and Nepal, OneSight has established local partnerships, including the Better Vision Foundation Nepal and Orbis in Mongolia. OneSight will host charitable clinics in both countries serving primarily students and will evaluate if and when a self-sustaining solution can be developed.
“My team and I are on the ground in each community we serve to ensure the right approach is in place to enable access to vision care,” said Wayne Tennent, OneSight director of programming for Asia Pacific. “We are ultimately striving to provide a permanent vision care solution in Mongolia and Nepal to enable people with poor vision to gain a better education and a better life.”
OneSight also announced the complete list of 2019 charitable vision clinic locations. Over 1400 Luxottica volunteers and optometrists will join OneSight to provide vision care and quality eyewear to 22 communities worldwide.
2019 US clinic locations include National City, CA; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, MO; Browning, MT; Fishkill, NY; Puerto Rico; Houston, TX; and Walking Shield.
2019 global clinic locations include Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Columbia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Peru, Tanzania and Thailand.
Every week OneSight sees an average of nearly 4,000 patients through sustainable and charitable programs around the world.