Donations
iCARE leads youth-driven efforts to protect vision in underserved, high-altitude communities by donating UV400 sunglasses, eye drops, and other essential supplies. Partnering with professional Taiwanese ophthalmologists, our volunteers have hand-delivered more than 1,200 new sunglasses, refurbished 200 donated second-hand pairs, and donated more than 500 bottles of lubricating and protective eye drops. Each donation goes beyond material aid, as we combine professional care with student initiative to bring lasting eye protection, raise awareness of UV risks, and build meaningful cross-cultural connections to the people of Ladakh.
Partnering with IYC Taiwan, we organized two fundraising booths in Taipei featuring handcrafted handbags and other handmade items. All the proceeds were dedicated to supporting iCARE’s ongoing eye-health initiatives, helping to provide UV400 sunglasses, eyedrops, and vision care resources to underserved high-altitude communities.
Continuing these efforts, IYC California organized an online fundraising campaign through GoFundMe. .Donations from the campaign also helped expand the supply of UV400 sunglasses, reading glasses, and essential eye-care resources for high-altitude communities in Ladakh.
iCARE partnered with Bhikku Sanghasena and the Mahabodhi International Meditation Center to deliver over 200 pairs of UV-protective sunglasses to children and elderly residents.
This joint effort not only safeguarded the community’s eyesight from the region’s intense high-altitude sunlight, but also provided lasting protection against UV-related eye diseases and raised awareness of preventive eye care among children and elders.
iCARE also distributed more than 800 pairs of prescription and protective glasses, along with over 500 bottles of medicated eyedrops, to residents in the villages of Wanla, Fiang, and the historic Tangtse Gompa. This large-scale outreach helped address urgent vision needs and provided essential eye care resources to communities in this remote high-altitude region.
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Overall, iCARE successfully fundraised 1,196 pairs of sunglasses—each equipped with a UV 400 filter (Category 2 or 3) and designed with side shields plus top and bottom covers. To meet a range of needs, we also provided clear, UV-protective glasses for those working primarily indoors. These specialized designs help protect against the region’s intense ultraviolet rays and harsh, dusty climate, reducing the risk of UV-related eye damage and dry eye disease.
In addition, iCARE donated a range of essential eye-care supplies, including multiple types of eyedrops such as lubricating drops and UV-protective antioxidant drops to help prevent dry eye disease and reduce UV-related damage.
We also provided reading glasses for older villagers, particularly those who read scriptures, to improve near-vision comfort and preserve their ability to engage in daily and spiritual activities.
