MONROVIA, Liberia – Good Vision Liberia (GVL), a local arm of the international eye health organization Good Vision International, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, joined the rest of the world in observing World Sight Day, celebrated under the global theme “Celebrating One Million Glasses.”
The celebration was held with students of the William V. S. Tubman High School in Sinkor, Monrovia, where the organization conducted free eye screenings and distributed eyeglasses to students, teachers, and nearby residents of 12th Street.
According to Mr. Jackson T. Smith, Country Director of Good Vision Liberia, the event was not only to mark the global achievement of one million glasses distributed worldwide but also to promote eye health awareness among young people.
“We at Good Vision Liberia take eye health very seriously,” Smith said. “We work to keep everyone’s eyes healthy. Whatever you have learned and heard here today, you will have to be ambassadors in your communities promoting good eye health.”
He disclosed that in the days leading up to the main event, GVL screened 691 eyes and provided 166 pairs of prescription glasses to individuals with impaired vision. These eyeglasses were manufactured and fitted by GVL’s technical team.
Part of a Global Vision Movement
Good Vision Liberia is part of Good Vision International, which operates in 14 countries, including five in Africa — Liberia, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.
The Liberia chapter began as a partnership with Refugee Place International, a local health organization, before becoming an independent national program in August 2023.
Since then, GVL has worked closely with the Ministry of Health to support the government’s efforts in expanding access to quality and affordable eye care.
Smith said GVL’s mission is clear:
“We aim to provide permanent access to basic eye care and affordable glasses for all Liberians. Our vision is that every Liberian will have continuous access to high-quality, basic eye care.”
Expanding Access and Impact
Through various community programs, GVL offers services such as:
- Free eye testing and affordable eyeglasses
- Cataract support and referrals for surgery
- School eye health programs
- Health system strengthening and partnership coordination
Between January and October 2025, the organization screened over 12,800 people free of charge, distributed 6,150 pairs of eyeglasses, and supported 50 successful cataract surgeries.
Since its inception in 2019, GVL has screened more than 40,000 Liberians and distributed 18,000 pairs of glasses, many at very low cost or at times no cost.
1 million Glasses, 1 million Stories
The global Good Vision International network is celebrating a major milestone — the distribution of 1 million eyeglasses worldwide. Liberia is proud to be part of that achievement.
“With 1 million glasses given out globally, we have created 1 million stories of sight, 1 million smiles, 1 million opportunities, and 1 million lives empowered,” Smith said.
He expressed gratitude to the organization’s partners, staff, and patients, noting that the success reflects a global commitment to improving lives through vision.
“This could not have been possible without everyone — the patients, partners, and staff. Together we can always do better, because good vision is a human right,” he concluded.
Background: Eye Health in Liberia
Access to quality eye care remains a major public health challenge in Liberia, particularly in rural communities where optometrists and equipment are scarce. Many students and market workers suffer from uncorrected vision problems that affect their education and livelihoods.
Organizations like Good Vision Liberia are filling a crucial gap by providing affordable and instant-fitting glasses, supporting government eye health programs, and raising awareness about preventable vision loss.
As Liberia joins the global celebration of World Sight Day, GVL’s work continues to bring clearer vision — and renewed hope — to thousands across the country.
