VisionSpring, an Acumen Fund portfolio company, uses a wholesale distribution and franchising model to administer vision tests and sell low-cost reading glasses to India’s poor who are suffering from reduced vision. They do this by recruiting local Vision Entrepreneurs who are trained to operate a mini franchise, and travel from village to village to conduct check eyesight and sell glasses. One pair, with case and cleaning cloth, costs from $2 to $4.

Check out their new blog at Business in a Bag.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 25th, 2008 at 12:23 pm and is filed under Social Entrepreneur Spotlight.