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areas. Patients identified through these outreach efforts are brought to Aravind hospitals for
follow-up care (Coconote, 2024). To build capacity, AECS runs training programs for

ophthalmologists, medical staff, and administrative personnel, promoting knowledge-sharing and
best practices globally. It also conducts ophthalmic research through the Aravind Medical
Research Foundation, contributing to global advances in eye care.

Widely regarded as a global model for eye care delivery, AECS has become a case study in
successful social enterprise. The organization performs hundreds of thousands of surgeries
annually, primarily cataract procedures, restoring sight to millions and significantly improving
quality of life and economic productivity. AECS has received numerous accolades for its impact,
including the 2010 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize. Despite its accomplishments, AECS

continues to face challenges, including increasing demand for eye care, the need for continuous
innovation, and expanding access to remote regions (Learning English Program, Voice of America,
2010).

5.2.5 d.light (International)
Founded in 2006 by Ned Tozun and Sam Goldman, d.light is a global social enterprise that designs,
manufactures, and distributes solar lighting and energy products. Its mission is to promote
renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and advance a more sustainable energy

landscape. The company offers solar-powered lamps, home energy systems, and solar appliances
to support people without access to electricity. Its goal is to empower households and small
businesses in developing countries by providing affordable, sustainable energy solutions. d.light’s
products are specifically designed to be affordable for low-income households, with pay-as-you-
go models that allow users to pay in installments based on usage. This approach increases
household savings while also broadening access to energy products. With d.light’s technology,
households can extend productive hours into the evening. Small businesses, such as kiosks and
retail stalls, are able to operate longer, increasing productivity, income, and profitability. Children
are also able to study for longer hours at night, improving educational outcomes while

contributing to long-term household economic gains (SE Thailand, 2022). d.light products are now
available in over 70 countries, with Africa and Asia as their primary markets. To date, they have
improved the quality of life for over 125 million people (United Nations Development Programme,
n.d.) 112 . Their solar-powered alternatives have replaced kerosene lamps and other hazardous
lighting sources in millions of homes. This transition has led to improved indoor air quality and
reduced health risks associated with kerosene smoke, while also enhancing the well-being of
residents. Additionally, the adoption of solar energy has significantly reduced carbon dioxide and

112 From Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy, by United Nations Development Programme, n.d., retrieved
on February 14, 2025, (https://leadiq.com/c/dlight/5a1d979a2300005900862e00)
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