Our Story
Origins
When the events of 9/11 unfolded in 2001, Dr. Donghae Kim, like many around the world, was deeply shaken as the devastating consequences of global division and conflict were brought to the forefront.
Moved by the tragedy, Dr. Kim, an ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon from Seoul, South Korea, sought to better understand and respond meaningfully to this world gripped by polarization, inequality, and suffering.
Faith in Action
Driven by God’s command to love our neighbors and serve others with compassion, Dr. Kim began laying the foundation for his work in global health. As a lifelong Christian, Dr. Kim was inspired by the example of Jesus, who despite having little, used it to love many indiscriminately.
Offering up his skills and experiences as an eye surgeon, Dr. Kim founded Vision Care in 2002 as an expression of his faith and calling to love and serve. Thus, Vision Care was formed to help the most under-served achieve healthy eyes, minds, and souls regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, gender or religion.
Going Global
Vision Care was established early on with generous financial support from churches across South Korea, enabling its mission to provide sight-restoring care and build sustainable eye health systems globally. Vision Care held its very first camp in Pakistan, which became our first international branch in 2001.
Since 2002, Vision Care has expanded both in size and reach, now active in 39 countries with 12 branches across Asia, North America, and Africa, and holding more than 25 camps annually.
Restore Sight. Share Vision.
Vision Care restores sight through increasing access to sight-saving cataract surgeries and sustainable eye care. We are guided by a shared vision with our global neighbors and local partners to eliminate worldwide blindness together.
While Vision Care has grown considerably since being founded, our principles of mutual learning, collaboration, and serving alongside those we seek to empower through care remain the same.
Sharing a brighter world together.
This is the dream that started Vision Care and continues to drive our work today. Learn more or donate to restore sight now.
