Organization with Close FC Tech Ties Honored with Prestigious NOW Optical Achievement Award
February 26, 2025
GoodVision USA, a Newton-based nonprofit dedicated to eradicating preventable vision loss worldwide, has been awarded the NOW Optical Achievement Award at Vision Expo’s NOW Awards. The accolade recognizes the organization’s groundbreaking work in providing affordable, sustainable eyewear and eye care to underserved communities globally.
The organization’s leadership has close ties to Franklin Cummings Tech: GoodVision USA founding member Jennifer Hyde is a 2017 graduate of our Opticianry associate degree program; Opticianry Department Chair Blair Wong is president of the GoodVision USA Board; and longtime Opticianry faculty member Dibby Bartlett is a GoodVision USA Board member.
“This award is not just for GoodVision—it’s a recognition of the 950 million people worldwide who still lack access to basic vision care,” said Wong. “Our model proves that solutions exist: a pair of glasses costing just $1 in materials can unlock education, employment, and dignity. We’ve distributed nearly one million glasses, but with 949 million to go, this is only the beginning.”
“The NOW Optical Achievement Award celebrates innovators who redefine what’s possible in optical care,” said Nico Roseillier, Founder of UN-TI-TLED Creative Agency and Director of the NOW Awards. “GoodVision USA stands out for their innovative approach to addressing the global vision care crisis through sustainable, community-driven solutions.”
GoodVision USA’s revolutionary model enables local production of quality eyeglasses using a simple bending machine that requires no electricity or water, while simultaneously creating meaningful employment opportunities in underserved communities. The organization has helped establish sustainable vision care infrastructure in 11 countries, conducted over 2.2 million free eye screenings, and distributed more than 820,000 pairs of glasses.
“We share this honor with our colleagues across the GoodVision global network who prove daily that solving the vision crisis is possible,” said Matt Gianino, Executive Director of GoodVision USA. “The world has the tools: scalable, low-cost solutions that deliver profound impact. What we need now is the collective will to amplify them. This award shines a light on the reality that ending preventable blindness isn’t a question of innovation, but of resource mobilization. We invite partners to join us in bridging the gap for the nearly 1 billion people still waiting to see clearly.”
About GoodVision USA
According to a WHO study, over 950 million people worldwide experience preventable vision loss but do not have access to quality eye care including glasses. Without good vision, children cannot learn, adults cannot work and care for their families, and individuals can’t participate fully in their communities. GoodVision is changing this. GoodVision USA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in developing countries by providing high-quality and affordable vision care. Through innovative programs, establishing sustainable local vision care infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, GoodVision works tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of location or economic status, has the opportunity to see clearly and reach their full potential. GoodVision’s award-winning and sustainable model has strong alignment with several of the United Nation’s Strategic Development Goals (SDGs) and has a presence in 11 developing countries in Asia, Africa and South America. For more information, please visit www.goodvisionusa.org.
