Core Disciplines: Base of the Pyramid; BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China); International Business; Non-Profit/Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); Social Enterprise (Social Entrepreneurship); Strategy & Management
DESCRIPTION: ~~Awarded 1st place in the 2008 oikos Casewriting Competition~~ VisionSpring sells affordable reading glasses to the poor at the base of the pyramid through Vision Entrepreneurs and, more recently, through franchise partners. Winner of the prestigious 2008 Oikos Case Competition, this case explores how to scale VisionSpring's approach to serving the poor. (Note: In 2008, The Scojo Foundation changed its name to Vision Spring.)
TEACHING POINTS: This case study can be used to: Introduce students to the issue of global vision correction in developing countries. Examine the reasons that prevent the issue from being solved. Analyze the business model of Essilor and VisionSpring. Consider why they are or are not achieving success and how strategic changes may help make them more successful. Brainstorm other solutions that may work better to solve the problem of vision correction."
Secondary Tags: Consumer Products; Financial Services; Healthcare Sales Rank: #45