VisionSpring, Eye Care Foundation, and Deckers partner to screen the vision of factory workers in Cambodia

Cambodia – March 11th 2025 – VisionSpring, Eye Care Foundation (ECF) and Deckers Brands today announce a new collaboration to screen the eyesight of factory workers in Cambodia.

They will conduct screenings for 4,600 factory workers over 18 days, including individuals who make footwear for Deckers Brands, the company behind renowned shoe brands like UGG and Hoka. The screenings will take place at two factories, one in Kampong Cham and the other in Phnom Penh.

This initiative is part of VisionSpring’s Clear Vision Workplaces (CVW) program, which partners with businesses and manufacturers to provide vision care to factory workers. With a proven track record in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, CVW has already demonstrated the impact of accessible eye care in the workplace. Since its inception, the program has screened the vision of more than 670,000 workers and dispensed eyeglasses to 258,000 workers. As a result, VisionSpring is partnering with ECF to bring the model to Cambodia.

An estimated 40% of the factory workers in Cambodia will require glasses, and approximately 2,000 people of the 4,600 screened will be able to see clearly through eyeglasses.

Eyeglasses are a simple yet impactful tool that meaningfully enhances both economic and social outcomes for workers. This was demonstrated by PROSPER, the first-ever randomised controlled trial which proved that clear vision can improve worker productivity by up to 32%. The benefits of vision correction are especially significant for workers over the age of 35, who are beginning to experience age-related vision decline.

Employing 800,000 workers, Cambodia’s garment sector is the cornerstone of its export economy. Having a workforce that can meet demand is crucial to its remaining competitive among apparel manufacturing countries.

Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring stated, “We’re excited to bring the Clear Vision Workplace program to Cambodia in partnership with ECF and Deckers following its success in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. As Cambodia strengthens its global position in the apparel and footwear industry, we are proud to support its growth”

“This launch project is the first in what will be a growing initiative in Cambodia, and we’re looking forward to expanding our work with Deckers and other apparel brands through the CVW program in the country in the coming months.”

For workers, clear vision improves their ability to carry out detailed tasks, such as cutting and stitching materials, aligning patterns, and more. Increased productivity might lead to higher income potential and improve their job security by supporting career progression. Most importantly, clear vision will improve their quality of life and personal wellbeing. Meanwhile, the factories they work in benefit from higher productivity, better quality of work, and less waste.

Brooke Beshai, Vice President, Sustainability and Compliance at Deckers Brands, said: “Clear vision is fundamental for footwear and apparel craftsmanship. By investing in vision care, we’re investing in the quality of life of the people who make our products. At Deckers, we’re proud to be the first brand to support this initiative in Cambodia, setting a new standard for worker well-being in the footwear industry. We hope this program inspires others to prioritize vision care as a key part of a healthy and empowered workforce.”

Björn Stenvers, CEO at Eye Care Foundation, added: “We appreciate the opportunity to conduct vision screenings among factory workers in Cambodia. Indeed, healthy vision is crucial for safety and productivity at any workplace as well as the overall mental health of the workers. We are thrilled to partner with exemplary brands such as VisionSpring and Deckers in pioneering this initiative in the country.”

According to the World Health Organization, one billion people worldwide lack access to the eyeglasses they need to see clearly. Without reading glasses more than 826 million people have difficulty performing routine tasks and maximising their income earning potential. Specifically in Cambodia, approximately 40% of apparel workers – around 320,000 individuals – require eyeglasses.