Companies to collaborate to provide vision screenings for Cambodian factory workers

Image credit: AdobeStock/Nomad_Soul

A new collaboration between VisionSpring, Eye Care Foundation (ECF), and Deckers Brands will work to conduct vision screenings for Cambodian factory workers.¹ The companies will provide vision care to 4600 factory workers over 18 days and will take place at 2 factories, 1 in Kampong Cham and the other in Phnom Penh, according to a news release.

The screening initiative is in part of VisionSpring’s Clear Vision Workplaces (CVW) program, which partners with businesses and manufacturers to provide vision care for their factory workers. The program already has a proven track record in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, and to date has screened more than 670,000 workers and dispensed eyeglasses to 258,000 of said workers. By working with ECF, VisionSpring will be able to bring its CVW program model to Cambodia.¹

“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,” said Ella Gudwin, CEO of VisionSpring, in the release. “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.”

The companies estimate that 40% of factory workers in Cambodia will require glasses, with 2000 of the 4600 workers screened to be able to see clearly with eyeglasses alone. Currently, Cambodia employs 800,000 individuals in its garment sector.¹

"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,” said Brooke Beshai, vice president of Sustainability and Compliance at Deckers Brands, in the release. “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.”

Improving vision care for factory workers leads to positive economic and social outcomes, according to the release. The recent PROSPER trial found that providing clear vision can improve worker productivity by up to 32%. Additionally, these benefits for clear vision are particularly significant for workers over the age of 35, who are beginning to experience age-related vision decline. Clear vision has also been proven to improve quality of life and personal wellbeing for workers, in addition to reducing waste.¹

“We appreciate the opportunity to conduct vision screenings among factory workers in Cambodia,” said Björn Stenvers, CEO at Eye Care Foundation Indeed, in the release. “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.”

Reference:

1. VisionSpring, Eye Care Foundation, and Deckers partner to screen the vision of factory workers in Cambodia. News release. Seven Hills. March 11, 2025. Accessed March 11, 2025.