Imagine what it would be like to struggle with poor vision every day and not be able to afford a pair of glasses. That's the reality for many people in remote communities across the globe.

Dr. Sarah Crowe recalls an ambulance driver in Papua New Guinea who found himself in dangerous situations due to his poor vision.

Stuck by the astonishing reality that so may people do not function properly, when all they would need is a pair of simple glasses, she founded OOXii Global and the 4eyesVision Foundation —a change in paradigm in making glasses accessible to all, taping in the healthcare workers on the ground.

With over 20 years of experience as an ophthalmologist, Sarah is adventurous and determined.

Tune in for her early career as a junior doctor during Apartheid in South Africa, how she then set up her own ophthalmology practice while having her kids and to her entrepreneurial ventures.

Great insights on leveraging accelerators like UNSW founders, partnering with other foundations, getting grants and the ever challenging investor landscape where ROI is the reigning metrics, beyond the social impact.

00:00 Meeting the Ambulance Driver

00:27 Introduction to Multiple Hats

00:45 Interview with Dr. Sarah Crow

02:26 The Mission of OOXii Global

02:58 Challenges in Remote Areas

05:36 Sarah's Academic Journey

08:19 Experiences in South Africa

13:00 Starting a Family and Career

17:18 Launching an Ophthalmology Practice

23:24 The Birth of OOXii Global

34:51 Deploying Existing Solutions for Impact

35:16 Simple Innovations Saving Lives

36:48 Community Involvement and Local Empowerment

39:36 Challenges and Reactions to Vision Kits

40:30 Funding and Business Model

46:01 Tech Development and Prototyping

57:37 Cultural Sensitivity in Healthcare

01:03:35 Naming and Structuring the Organization

01:07:29 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Lear more about Sarah

https://www.4eyesvision.org/author/sarah-crowe/

You can visit my website - angeliquegreco.com.au

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