Young Systems Leader: Samit Sakib Gore

Samit Sakib Gore, at just 26 years old, is revolutionizing access to affordable eye health through innovative and sustainable solutions. As Director of Operations and Innovation at Vision Friend Sakib Gore, Samit has led the organization’s transformation from First Generation Self-Funded Model into a multigenerational, self-sustaining entity. His work has expanded its reach from 1,217 villages in rural India to urban areas and worldwide, directly improving the lives of potentially millions more through free eye tests, cataract surgeries, and screenings for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Inspired by the legacy of his father, Sakib Gore, and a deeply personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Samit co-founded Vision Friend Eyewear, a social enterprise offering affordable spectacles Ready Reading starting at $0.11. Another social Enterprise The VCU (We See You) Series exclusively for NGOs and Social Entrepreneurs further extends this mission by helping them procure eyewear at just $0.38. These initiatives align with WHO SPECS and IAPB’s 2030 In Sight goals, addressing affordability and accessibility barriers to ensure quality eye care for underserved communities worldwide.

Samit’s initiatives prioritize addressing uncorrected presbyopia, one of the world’s leading causes of vision impairment, which disproportionately affects adults in low- and middle-income countries. Studies show that over half of adults over 35 experience presbyopia, with women being more severely affected. In LMICs, rates of correction remain as low as 10%, leaving millions unable to perform essential tasks like reading and working. Samit’s programs ensure access to affordable, high-quality spectacles for individuals in need, empowering communities and improving productivity. Recognizing the gender disparities, Samit actively advocates for women’s eyecare, as women are 35% more likely than men to experience vision impairment. His initiatives prioritize equitable access by focusing on inclusivity and empowering women to reclaim their independence and thrive in their personal and professional lives. Samit’s advance awareness campaigns integrate VR technologies to create immersive learning experiences, cataract simulation glasses, and the documentary In Pursuit of Light.

His “Young Eyes” initiative targets myopia prevention in schools, addressing the condition predicted to impact 50% of the population by 2050. This initiative also advocates for integrating mandatory school eye screenings into education systems while laying the foundation for scalable, sustainable eye health solutions.

Looking ahead, Samit aims to expand the organization’s vision to reach 100,000 villages globally. By channelling social enterprise profits into transformative programs, he champions an alternative self-sustaining approach that reduces reliance on external funding while fostering long-term impact.