At IRIS Mundial, volunteering is the driving force behind our mission. It reflects a human-centered vision of success made possible through the commitment of IRIS, The Visual Group, a key partner, and the mobilization of its network of dedicated professionals.
For more than 20 years, optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, and volunteers from all backgrounds have joined forces to improve eye health for the most vulnerable populations.
During IRIS Mundial Month, we shine a light on what makes volunteering such an essential part of our collective impact.
A deeply human commitment
Volunteering at IRIS Mundial goes far beyond simple participation—it transforms lives. Our volunteers give their time, expertise, and compassion to address a fundamental need: access to quality vision care.
Every gesture matters.
Every pair of glasses fitted, every eye exam performed, every smile restored is a tangible expression of solidarity and mutual support—values that lie at the heart of IRIS’s culture.
Many ways to get involved
Volunteering with IRIS Mundial can take many forms:
- Locally
Most volunteers begin by getting involved close to home. Preparing donated eyeglasses, supporting fundraising events, contributing to communications, and more—these behind-the-scenes efforts are essential, especially for an organization with only two full-time employees.
- Internationally
Some volunteers then choose to take part in international missions. Working in multidisciplinary teams that include many professionals from the IRIS network, they provide eye exams, eyeglasses, and sometimes surgical interventions in regions where vision care services are limited or unavailable.
Each mission is a powerful human experience, shaped by collaboration with local partners and the immediate impact that improved vision can have on quality of life.
Sharing knowledge for lasting impact
Volunteering is also about sharing knowledge.
Through its training missions, IRIS Mundial enables volunteers to share their expertise in ways that recognize the skills of local professionals and support the eye care systems they develop and strengthen.
This sustainable approach builds on initiatives led by local partners.
Recognizing exceptional commitment
Each year, the Jean-Pierre Tchang Award honours the remarkable contribution of a volunteer. It embodies the values shared by IRIS and IRIS Mundial: generosity, commitment, and a spirit of going above and beyond.
These inspiring journeys remind us that volunteering is, above all, a human adventure—driven by a shared mission: to uphold the right to sight for all.
IRIS Mundial Month 2026: Join the movement
This IRIS Mundial Month, let’s celebrate the volunteers who make this mission possible.
Whether through volunteering, sharing expertise, or making a donation, every action counts.
Because at IRIS Mundial and IRIS, seeing the world clearly begins with giving others the opportunity to better see their own.
