Join for a riveting discussion via Zoom with Dr. Jordan Kassalow, founder of VisionSpring. In this time of COVID and isolation, hear this inspiring story of the global phenomenon that has helped millions stay focused on a positive future. This first-hand account is an inside view into connecting real life financial responsibilities with a true sense of calling and helping those who need it most. VisionSpring is an award-winning social enterprise that works to provide eyeglasses to the 2.5 billion people who need them but lack access. Since 2001, it has distributed over 5.5 million pairs of eyeglasses across 43 countries.
Jordan Kassalow is an eye doctor, social entrepreneur, and author. He is the founder of VisionSpring, the co-founder of EYElliance, and a Partner at Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick, & Associates. Jordan also founded the Global Health Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations and co-founded Scojo New York. Prior to his position at the Council, he served as Director of the River Blindness Division at Helen Keller International. Jordan is a fellow of Draper Richards Kaplan, Skoll, Ashoka, and is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. He was named one of Schwab Foundation’s 2012 Social Entrepreneurs, was the inaugural winner of the John P. McNulty Prize, and was recognized in Forbes Impact 30. VisionSpring has been internationally recognized by the Skoll Foundation, the Aspen Institute, and the World Bank; is a three-time winner of Fast-Company's Social Capitalist Award; and a winner of Duke University’s Enterprising Social Innovation Award. Additionally, he co-authored Dare to Matter: Your Path to Making a Difference Now. Jordan earned a Doctor of Optometry from the New England College of Optometry (NECO), received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from NECO in 2016, and a Fellowship in Preventive Ophthalmology and Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins.
Presented in partnership with the Jewish Book Council.
Sponsored by Jason Weiner and Nicole Zatlyn, the Vilna Shul Lifesavers Speaker Series invites you into its historic building to engage deeply with global thinkers, influencers and philanthropists championing social justice and positive change. These unique, intimate conversations profoundly touch those present by providing behind-the-scenes opportunities to engage with leaders that are tackling important, global issues in science, art, religion, business and politics.