EYE CAMPSeeing the unknown future with OWNDAYS

We at OWNDAYS have a dream –
“To enrich the life of everyone who has a relationship with OWNDAYS.”

It is believed that about four billion people in the world need visual correction. However, half of them are unable to get their vision corrected due to the lack of eye care facilities as well as financial difficulties.

It saddens us to learn that so many people have to endure the inconveniences and agonies caused by poor vision so we begin pondering what we can do for them.

It is, of course, impossible to change the world or help every single person in need.

However, we know that there would be no improvement to the situation if we do nothing.

Through OWNDAYS glasses, we hope to bring people a clearer and a more beautiful vision before their eyes.

OWNDAYS
EYE CAMP Sharing the vision with the world.

In OWNDAYS, part of our profits goes towards giving
out free glasses to people in developing countries.

The OWNDAYS Eye Camp is conducted every 3 months in partnership with local non-governmental organizations in developing countries. Volunteer doctors conduct eye checks and carry out eye health evaluations to screen for signs of eye diseases.

OWNDAYS then makes the glasses using the prescriptions obtained from the eye checks. Not only that, OWNDAYS staff even help the recipients with the adjustment of the glasses to ensure the glasses sit well on their faces.

OWNDAYS EYE CAMP

HISTORY

NEPAL2023.12

Baglung

NEPALBaglung 202312.12.06

今回訪れたのは、ネパールのバグルン地区ガルコット。

バグルン地区 [baglung]は、ネパール77地区の一つで、ポカラという都市から車で片道5時間ほどかかり、その道のりはひたすら険しい山道が続きます。そんなバグルン地区の人々にとって、医療へのアクセスは大変困難です。メガネを手に入れるには、山道を車で2時間程度かけて近隣の町まで行き、視力測定をし注文を完了した後、長い時は20日以上受け取りまでに時間がかかるそう。当然、小さな子供やお年寄りにとって、簡単に街を行き来することはできないので、視力矯正をすること自体の優先順位が下がってしまいます。

そこで、OWNDAYSは、約320名のメガネを作成し、スタッフが直接メガネをお届けしに行きました。新型コロナウイルスの影響で、スタッフが実際に現地に伺ってフィッティングを行うのは、2019年以来となります。
現地での共通言語はもちろんネパール語です。今回のEye Campでは、OWNDAYSで学んだ知識・技術を自分の母国に還元したいという思いから、2名のネパール出身スタッフが参加しており、彼らが中心となって、現地の方々との交流を深めました。

お渡しした人の中には、初めてメガネをかける人もいて少し戸惑っている方もいれば、嬉しそうにメガネを受け取ってくださる方もいました。
短い滞在ではありますが、現地の人々にとっても、OWNDAYSスタッフ一同にとってもかけがえのない時間になりました。

  • Milan

    Milan

    私はOWNDAYSに入社した当時すぐにインドのアイキャンプ参加したことがきっかけで、その後母国ネパールでの実施を計画・提案し、今回でネパール開催は5回目となりました。こんな遠くの地域まで足を運んでくれた技術者やスタッフ、そして母国にメガネを届けることを実現してくれたOWNDAYSには、感謝しかありません!

  • Prakash

    Prakash

    人を幸せにすることは、自分のことも幸せにすることだと思っています。母国のために何かを貢献したいと考え、今回の活動に参加させてもらいました。お渡しの際にひとりの70代のおじいさんから、「メガネをいただいたおかげで、30歳の時ぐらい見えるようになった!」と言われました。その時の笑顔と感謝の声は一生忘れられない思い出です。アイキャンプを通じて得た経験や現地への尊重を胸に刻み、これからも頑張りたいと思いました。

  • Nagai

    Nagai

    私自身、青年海外協力隊にてアフリカでボランティア活動に従事していたこともあり、Eye CampはOWNDAYSに入社した理由の一つでした。貧困地域ではありますが、現地で生活する方々の明るい雰囲気がとても印象的でした。「何か今の人生に悩んでいるなら、ぜひEye Camp参加してみて欲しい」と思います。「自分達が勤めるOWNDAYSがこんな意義深い活動をしているんだぞ」ということを皆さんに知っていただきたいです。

  • Sasahara

    Sasahara

    活動の途中で現地の人々が火葬を行なっているのを目にしました。川の近くで人が焼かれ、遺灰が川に流されます。日本のお葬式文化しか接したことのない私にとってこの光景はすごく衝撃的で、姿が消えていくのを目の当たりにしてなんとも言えない気持ちになりました。異なる文化を体験して、私たちの当たり前は他国では当たり前ではないということを改めて感じました。私自身、今回ちょうど現地で誕生日を迎えたこともあり、文化の違いや生と死を実感する機会となり、今ある「当たり前」に感謝し、日常を大切に過ごしていきたいと思いました。

  • Greta

    Greta

    私は、普段OWNDAYS台湾に勤務しており、台湾からの参加は私1名でした。でこぼこが続く山道を抜けて、交通もインフラも未発達な人里離れた場所で、地元の人たちは明るく笑顔で生活していました。そのような光景を想像もしていませんでしたし、活動を通して何より印象的だったのは、言葉が通じなくても身振り手振りで伝えることができるということ。たくさんの笑顔とお褒めの言葉、そして温かいハグをいただきました!

IRAQ2022.12

Tobzawa

IRAQTobzawa 2022.12.20

昨年に引き続き、NPO法人IVY様のご協力のもとイラクでのOWNDAYS Eye Campが開催されました。

今回訪問したのは、エルビルの貧困地域の1つで中心部から約 36 キロ離れたTobzawa Villageにある学校です。人種はアラブ人、クルド人 (国内避難民とホスト コミュニティ) の混合で、この村には病院がなく、水と電気のような他のサービスについても不足しています。医療施設にアクセスするためには中心部に移動する必要があるのですが、イラクと KRG (クルディスタン地域政府)では公共交通機関が整っていないため、最も高い移動手段であるタクシーを利用しなければなりません。
昨年同様、新型コロナウイルス感染症流行の影響により、OWNDAYSスタッフの渡航は断念し、作成されたメガネは現地のIVYスタッフに託されました。

お渡ししたメガネの数は、全部で208点です。イラクでは、見えにくい状態であるにもかかわらず「メガネをかける」ことが習慣化されていないため、初めてのメガネに戸惑う子供たちもいました。しかし、メガネをかける機会がなかったからこそこのような状況が生まれており、今回のEye Campの体験は子供たちの教育にとってもいい経験になったそうです。

今後も新たな活動の範囲を広げ、OWNDAYS Eye Campを継続的に実施していきます。

IRAQ2021.10

Kaiyara

IRAQKaiyara 2021.10.29

今回のOWNDAYS Eye CampはNPO法人IVY様のご協力のもと、イラク・カイヤラ地区で実施されました。中東でのOWNDAYS Eye Campは今回が初となります。
昨年同様、新型コロナウイルス感染症流行の影響により、OWNDAYSスタッフの渡航は断念し、作成されたメガネは現地のIVYスタッフに託されました。

モスル郡カイヤラ地区は、2016年までISILに占領されてしまった地区。その後の奪還作戦では多くの公共施設が破壊されました。
今回の会場に使用されたマシャリク小学校は、ISILに占領された際に校舎が破壊され、解放後に募った募金によって学校が再建されました。

今回の活動では現地の子供たちやその保護者、近隣に住むご年配の方などを対象に視力測定とメガネの配布が実施されました。
壊れたまま新しいメガネが買えなかった子供。今までメガネを作ることができなかった子供。見え方の合わない老眼鏡を使い続けていたご年配の方々。
どなたも新しく手渡されたメガネをかけては笑顔を覗かせていました。
海外製品がこの村に届けられたことも占領からの解放後、今回が初めてのことで非常に喜んでいただくことができました。

これから中東諸国への進出が決まっているOWNDAYS。
今後とも新たな活動の範囲を広げ、中東でのOWNDAYS Eye Campを継続的に実施していきます。

MYANMAR2020.11

Pin Laung,Pin Pgyit,Yauk Sauk

MYANMARPin Laung, Pin Pgyit, Yauk Sauk 2020.10.29-11.18

第19回目のOWNDAYS Eye Campは、ミャンマーシャン州にあるピンロンとヤックソクという地域で開催されました。

今回の活動では新型コロナウイルス感染症の流行が影響したことで、これまでのように世界各国からOWNDAYSスタッフが集まって各地を訪問し、メガネを配布することが非常に困難な状況となりました。そこで私たちが作成した448本のメガネを、現地のドクターとチャリティーグループのスタッフの皆様が、感染対策を徹底しながら届けてくださいました。

本拠地としているタウンジーから車で4時間半程度のピンラン地区では、行政の指示上、30人以上の人が集まらないように5日間に分けて3か所(イーミー村、ピングルン、ティギット村)で配布。ヤックソクは、タウンジーから車で2時間のところにあり、3か所(ピンファイト村、ヤダナルポーネ村、マギン僧院)での配布を行いました。

パンデミックの影響で前例のない一年となりましたが、このような状況だからこそ、少しでも多くの人に笑顔になってほしいとご協力してくださった現地の皆様に心から感謝申し上げる共に、ミャンマーの全国民の安全と民主的な政治体制が早期に回復することを願います。

PHILIPPINES2019.12

Sapang Bato, Pampanga

PHILIPPINESSapang Bato, Pampanga 2019.12.25

OWNDAYS Eye Camp is a way of giving back to our fellow Filipinos. Last December 25, 2019, we had our 5th Eye Camp in the Philippines – aiming to help our less fortunate kababayans from Pampanga and shared with them the gift of sight with the help of Apl.de.ap’s team.

OWNDAYS Volunteers, including OWNDAYS CEO, Shuji Tanaka, celebrated their Christmas with the families from Sapang Bato, Pampanga, Philippines. There was a total of 863 participants of the Christmas Party and a total of 150 pairs of glasses were given to those who needed them. The children who attended were also given a total of 1,000 school supplies to support their education. Participants and the volunteers enjoyed the Christmas Party that was held at the residence of Mr. Apl.de.ap.

As we conclude the year 2019, OWNDAYS assures everyone that we will continue to dedicate ourselves to sharing the gift of good vision to those in need through Eye Camp.

MYANMAR2019.11

Pekon, Shan

MYANMARPekon, Shan 2019.11.09 & 2019.11.11

The 18th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in Pekon, a town in Shan State, Myanmar.

People in Pekon have limited access to healthcare facilities as it is difficult getting to the cities where the main medical institutions are situated. Despite this, Pekon rarely receives relief from charities so the people there were delighted when we visited them for the OWNDAYS Eye Camp.

This Eye Camp, we distributed approximately 400 pairs of glasses to people of all ages, from children to the elderly. The glasses were fitted with prescription lenses catered to each recipient’s needs and there were both reading glasses and those for viewing far distances. One by one, the Eye Camp crew carefully adjusted the frame fitting for the recipients and checked to ensure their vision was clear and comfortable.

Similar to previous ones, this OWNDAYS Eye Camp was made possible as a result of the combined effort from various parties. This included our customers around the world whose purchase constituted a portion of the funding for the project, the committee members who liaised with local doctors and schools, the local doctors who conducted eye examination and provided us with the prescription details and finally the OWNDAYS staff in Japan who had taken great care in putting the glasses together. As to the Eye Camp crew members, we completed the final step of handing over the glasses to the beneficiaries. Beyond being visual aids, these glasses embodied the thoughts of everyone involved in the project, their well-wishes to the needy people of Pekon and our aspiration of making the world look more beautiful through improved vision.

This OWNDAYS Eye Camp gave us an opportunity to establish a closer bond with the people in Myanmar. Moving forward, we will continue to bring our glasses to those in need so they can experience the joy of having brighter, clearer vision.

PHILIPPINES2019.08

Tondo, Manila

PHILIPPINESTondo, Manila 2019.08.07

The 2019 OWNDAYS Eye Camp in the Philippines was organised in collaboration with Lions Clubs International, a non-profit service organization. This time, the Eye Camp was held in Tondo, Manila, one of the most densely populated places in the Philippines where people often face difficulties in accessing adequate supply of water, housing and proper sanitation.
Besides, the provision of education and health services as well as employment opportunities are also lacking in the area.

This Eye Camp, we gave out over 200 pairs of prescription glasses to individuals who are troubled by poor vision but are unable to afford glasses. In addition, we donated school supplies, schoolbags, shoes, toys and snacks to the local children.

We hope our effort through the OWNDAYS Eye Camp could help to brighten up people’s lives and create a positive impact in the society. In line with our philosophy of “enriching the lives of people associated with OWNDAYS”, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to helping the less fortunate and to sharing the vision with the world through OWNDAYS Eye Camp.

THAILAND2019.07

Huai Sai, Chianmai

THAILANDHuai Sai, Chianmai 2019.07.03

The 17th OWNDAYS Eye Camp took place in Thailand. It was the first Eye Camp in the country.

The venue, Kalyanamitsuk Centre, is a rehabilitation centre located in a sub-district of Huai Sai, Chiang Mai. It provides physical therapy for the elderlies and people with disabilities from all over Chiang Mai.
We distributed reading glasses and helped the centre residents with cleaning, maintenance and proper fitting of their glasses. As the Buddhist Lent Day was approaching, we also brought along Buddhists scriptures for them.

The joy of having a good, clear vision is beyond words can describe. Through the OWNDAYS Eye Camp, we have come to recognise the importance of helping people around the world improve their vision so as to enrich their lives.

To this end, we have dedicated a portion of our profits towards helping the less privileged through the OWNDAYS Eye Camp. We will continue our efforts in sharing vision with the world with OWNDAYS glasses.

MYANMAR2019.02

Inle, Taunggyi

MYANMARInle, Taunggyi 2019.02.28 & 2019.03.01

The 16th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in Myanmar, a first in the country.

We distributed prescription glasses to people from around Taunggyi and those living in Inle Lake at the two designated distribution venues. We also gave out stationery and sports equipment to orphans living in a temple at Inle Lake.

We have distributed prescription glasses around the world, starting from India to Nepal, the Philippines and Myanmar this time. Many people in Myanmar, be it children or adults, are deprived of the chance to enjoy a clear vision.

“Sharing the vision with the world.”
This is the motto of the OWNDAYS Eye Camp. To this end, we will continue travelling across borders to bring prescription glasses to those in need. Instead of simply sending prescription glasses over, we choose to hand the glasses out to the recipients in person in order to witness and share their joy of finally having crystal clear vision.

We will continue to give out prescription glasses to the less privileged individuals in Myanmar so as to enrich their lives and help them see a clearer future.

NEPAL2018.10

Jogimara, Dhadin

NEPALJogimara, Dhadin 2018.10.25

The 15th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in Dhading District of Nepal.

From the capital city, Kathmandu, we drove 3 hours through winding, rocky roads to get to Jogimara where we distributed prescription glasses to the local people. We also gave out stationery and toys to children studying at a primary school situated within steep mountainous terrain.
Being our 4th Eye Camp there and having interacted with the local people several times, we have come to forged a stronger bond with both the adults and the children in Nepal. It was a great experience which we could not have acquired in our day-to-day lives at home and it had definitely contributed to our personal growth.

People living in mountainous regions often face issues such as poor accessibility and the lack of daily necessities. Besides, there are still many underprivileged people around the world who are unable to afford glasses or any form of visual corrective aid.
We have dedicated a portion of our profits to help these underprivileged people through the OWNDAYS Eye Camp. Guided by our philosophy of enriching the lives of people associated with OWNDAYS, we will continue to travel across borders to distribute prescription glasses and to share vision with the world.

NEPAL2018.03

Malekhu, Beni Ghat

NEPALMalekhu, Beni Ghat 2018.03.18

The 12th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in Nepal.

There were 2 distribution venues this time. We first distributed prescription glasses at Malekhu, a small town that is an hour’s drive away from the capital city of Kathmandu. After which, we headed to Town Beni Ghat where we gave out toys and stationery to the children living there.

Being situated in the mountainous inland areas, economic growth in Malekhu and Beni Ghat has been slow. Public facilities are inadequate and supplies are usually limited due to transportation constraints. Many living in both towns face difficulties in obtaining daily necessities.
Through OWNDAYS Eye Camp, we were able to provide support, albeit just a small amount, to the needy people.

We have dedicated a portion of our global profits to help people who are less privileged. By doing so, we hope to enrich their lives. To us, each OWNDAYS Eye Camp is a reinforcement of the importance of our work.
By visiting local communities and giving out relief supplies to the needy people in person, we hope we would be able to enrich the lives of these people.

To this end, we will continue to travel across borders to help people in need through the OWNDAYS Eye Camp.

NEPAL2017.10

Tandi, Chitwan

NEPALTandi, Chitwan 2017.10.06

The 11th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in Tandi, a city in the Chitwan District of Nepal.
From the capital city, Kathmandu, we travelled across steep mountains with prescription glasses prepared for needy local people who could not afford glasses. We also brought along books and toys that would be given out in a local school.

There are many ways to contribute to the society. For instance, one could simply send financial or material aids from home. However, in OWNDAYS, we choose to visit local communities in perso n because we would like to provide the same level of service and quality to the recipients as we would to our customers back home. As we hand over our glasses, we are able to help the recipients adjust the glasses at the same time.

This time, we also raised donations in the form of an in-house virtual currency called OWNDAYS Miles. The donations were exchanged for toys and given out to children from poor families.
The OWNDAYS Eye Camp allows us to meet the local people face to face and to pass them our glasses personally. It is a reminder to us on how we could do our part for people in the world as a company.

In line with our corporate philosophy of enriching the lives of people related to OWNDAYS, we have pledged a portion of our profits to help needy people who are burdened by poor eyesight.
We will continue to provide prescription glasses to those in need through OWNDAYS Eye Camp.

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TAIWAN2017.06

Datong Dist., Taipei City

TAIWANDatong Dist., Taipei City 2017.06.10

The 10th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in Taiwan. This was the first time the project was conducted there. We collaborated with Breeze Charity Foundation and distributed prescription glasses to the children in need.

We met many children from low income families who were unable to afford eyeglasses. This encounter has reminded us yet again that OWNDAYS is more than just an eyewear retailer. We are also helping to enrich the lives of others by bringing them a clearer, brighter future.

This OWNDAYS Eye Camp in Taiwan has brought us new encounters and reminded us the importance of having good vision. Let’s continue making a difference by sharing the vision with the world.

PHILIPPINES2017.05

Cabalawan, Tacloban City

PHILIPPINESCabalawan, Tacloban City 2017.03.27 & 05.23

The 9th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in Cabalawan, Tacloban City, the Philippines in collaboration with Lions Club International and The Gift of Sight by Robinsons Malls.

In November 2013, the once beautiful city, formerly known as “The Beautiful City By The Bay”, was wrecked by the deadly Typhoon Haiyan. 4 years on, many people are still living in makeshift homes. The road to the city’s revival seems slow and difficult.

This time, we gave out eyeglasses to the needy people living in Cabalawan district of Tacloban. We also brought pictures books and toys for the children. We hope our OWNDAYS glasses could bring a little sunshine and joy to their lives.

In line with our philosophy of “enriching the lives of people associated with OWNDAYS”, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to helping the less fortunate and to sharing the vision with the world through OWNDAYS Eye Camp.

INDIA2016.12

Ayanar nagar village

PHILIPPINES2016.11

Pandacan, Manila

PHILIPPINESPandacan, Manila 2016.11.08 & 23

The 7th OWNDAYS Eye Camp was held in the Philippines. In partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., the Eye Camp Team identified towns with the greatest need for vision correction before embarking on the mission. This was the first Eye Camp in the country and would definitely not be the last.
We distributed prescription eyeglasses to 200 children and adults. The recipients shared stories about the difficulties they experienced every day and how OWNDAYS Eye Camp could change their lives. We were very excited that we could help give them a clearer and more beautiful vision.

Through the OWNDAYS Eye Camp, we have met many people who require eyeglasses but are unable to obtain a pair due to financial difficulties. From children to adults, we hope to continue these efforts in enriching the lives of people through our eyeglasses. What we do day by day is more than merely selling eyeglasses, it is to give others the ability to see clearly. We are grateful to have another heart-warming experience in the OWNDAYS Eye Camp. In line with our mission of sharing vision with the world, we strive to continue making a difference to the world.

INDIA2016.08

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

INDIAMadurai, Tamil Nadu 2016.08.24 - 25

One year since the first OWNDAYS Eye Camp. This was our 6th Eye Camp and we returned to Madurai, India, the place where it was first held.

There were 4 distribution venues this time. We distributed glasses to the residents in Andar Kottaram Village, Ambethkar Nagar Village, Kathakinaru Village as well as students in a school in Kathakinaru Village.
At present, there are many people who require glasses but are unable to obtain a pair. We wish to do our part to help improve this situation no matter how small our effort may be. One person at a time, we hope from the bottom of our hearts that our glasses would put a smile on the Indian people.

In line with our mission to enrich the lives of everyone related to OWNDAYS, we will continue to do our part in order to share the wonders and joy of “being able to see clearly” with the world.

JAPAN2016.04

Kumamoto

NEPAL2016.03

Tokha, Kathmandu

NEPALTokha, Kathmandu 2016.03.11

In 2015, Nepal was hit by a deadly earthquake of an estimated 7.8 magnitude. It was a dreadful disaster that brought many buildings down in shatters, led to landslides and even triggered an avalanche.
With the thought of helping people in affected areas acquire good vision while they rebuild their homeland, we headed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal for the 4th installment of the OWNDAYS Eye Camp.

This time, we brought along approximately 150 pairs of glasses with customised prescriptions for the recipients and we called upon OWNDAYS staff from around the world to go on this expedition in Nepal.
As we handed out the glasses, the Nepali people also gave us their widest smiles in return. Some put their palms together in a prayer like gesture while others held and shook our hands. Despite differences in language, we could feel their immense happiness and gratitude upon receiving the glasses.

We hope our efforts of giving out glasses to those who cannot afford it could contribute to the rebuilding of Nepal.
Everyone should have a chance to enjoy a clear vision and we aim to make this happen. We hope to enrich the lives of people around us through the gift of sight, step by step, one person after another.

INDIA2015.09

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

INDIAMadurai, Tamil Nadu 2015.09.04

6,800 km from Japan.
In the rural parts of India, facilities available for eye examinations are often inadequate. As a result, many people living in these areas are unable to correct their vision.
To help these people overcome the problems and inconveniences caused by poor vision, OWNDAYS organized a volunteer expedition to Sakkimangalam Village, located in Madurai, a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, where staff from the different countries came together to deliver glasses to the local communities there. Approximately 100 pairs of prescription glasses were given out to people from 6 to 80 years old.

We cannot help but to reminisce in the joy we saw on these people’s faces when they could finally see clearly with their new glasses. Indeed, the joy of having good vision transcends borders and cultural differences.
From children to adults, we hope to continue our efforts in enriching the lives of people around us through OWNDAYS glasses. Whether it is one person or one thousand people, we hope we can make a difference to their lives.

INDIA2015.08

India

INDIA2015.07

Town Panjayat

JAPAN2011.04

Tsuyama General Gymnasium

JAPAN2011.04

Ishinomaki Junior High School

JAPAN2011.04

HigashiMatsushima Municipal Daiichi Junior High School

JAPAN2011.04

Yamoto Daini Junior High School

JAPAN2011.04

Omagari Elementary School

JAPAN2011.04

Tagajo City Cultural Centre

JAPAN2011.03

Tagajo City Cultural Centre

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