On the topic of social enterprise, I recently began looking at the recent social entrepreneurs of today. Looking at Forbes list of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs, of the top 30, one of their stories caught my attention. In 1984, a bright and young optometry student, Jordan Kassalow thought of the idea to supply cheap and affordable eyeglass to those who could not afford them.
He then founded VisionSpring in 2001 and now, 50, has spent most of his time building his company in the hopes of making the eyeglass business a self-sustaining operation. Kassalow’s vision, synonymous with the mission statement of VisionSpring, is “to ensure affordable eyeglass is available to every individual to live a productive life.”
I think that Kassalow’s idea and notion on the supply of cheap eyeglass is just marvellous. His contributions to society has already resulted in many individuals being more productive in life. As a pair of spectacles only costs between $4-7, almost anyone can afford a pair of them.
Looking at the way social entrepreneurs change society sometimes just leaves me in awe. I really admire the contributions they have done and their passion towards creating a better future for the coming generations. What I personally think is that charities and donations should be given to the social entrepreneurs as they act as the catalysts to provide the needy with the ability to self-sustain and live independently. Read more about Jordan Kassalow’s story here.
