What began in the basement of a townhouse in Erlangen has already helped more than half a million people to a better life by the end of 2022.
Having been dependent on glasses since childhood, Martin Aufmuth knows what it means to have poor eyesight. Even while studying to become a teacher of mathematics and physics, he was concerned with the problems of the Global South, which have stayed with him to this day.
In 2010, I read in the book "Out of Poverty" by Paul Polak that one of the last great inventions for developing countries was a pair of glasses that people who live on one dollar or less a day could afford. I just thought for a moment: It's a shame that this doesn't exist, the WHO or opticians' associations should take care of it and read on." In the end, it was his wife who inspired him to take action.
Changing the world
His inventive spirit and the urge to change the world were awakened. Martin experimented with various materials in his cellar until the first prototypes of the spring steel spectacles and the necessary bending device were ready.
From Erlangen into the world
With glasses and a bending machine in his luggage, he set off for various African countries. On site, Martin wanted to find out whether his idea would work. And it did. In Uganda, the first OneDollarGlasses were made by local people according to Martin's instructions and were immediately handed over to people who had been waiting a very long time for a pair of glasses.
An idea becomes reality
Martin was certain that if his idea was to bear fruit, he would need supporters. Together with fellow teachers, he founded the EinDollarBrille association and set out in search of helping hands, bright minds and people who were willing to support the EinDollarBrille project with a donation.
Over 10 years of GoodVision
Martin Aufmuth's idea and his desire to change the world have given rise to a globally active organization that has been helping children and adults in Asia, Africa and South America to lead a better life since 2012. His commitment to good vision has been recognized several times.
With GoodVision, Martin has shown that courage and belief in a better world can achieve a great deal if you find people who believe in this idea.
The goal was to create a pair of glasses that are robust and very inexpensive to manufacture.
