
We need your help to solve the global vision crisis
A first of its kind programme to contribute to our fight against the world’s largest unaddressed disability.
In line with our mission to improve lives by improving sight, the Essilor Group has the ambition to eliminate poor vision by 2050 in a responsible way. Working together with partners around the world, we have the opportunity to solve a global health crisis in just one generation.
Essilor has been improving lives by improving sight for over 170 years. In 2013 we considerably accelerated our efforts to meet the needs of the 2.7 billion people living with uncorrected poor vision by addressing the two biggest barriers to vision care; access and awareness. We follow a three pronged strategy to overcome these barriers – through inclusive businesses, philanthropic programmes and advocacy and awareness campaigns. Our efforts are targeted at:
- creating awareness for the importance of poor vision and
- providing access to eye health where conventional distribution channels don’t exist or people can’t afford glasses.
The EBoP Fellowship
The Essilor BoP (EBoP) Fellowship is a prestigious and highly selective six-month fellowship programme initiated by Essilor’s BoP Innovation Lab, as part of Essilor’s effort to create a global movement and encourage the development of young talents in the field of social impact.
The Fellowship aims to identify passionate, dynamic and high-performing individuals to co-create a range of on-ground projects and initiatives in Base-of-Pyramid (BoP) markets with Essilor as we strive towards eliminating poor vision.
Over a period of six months, the Fellows will be based in BoP markets and will lead on-ground, live projects that help them to:
- Foster a deep understanding of local conditions
- Gain first-hand exposure and experience in inclusive business and philanthropic initiatives through a wide range of on-ground actions
“… gain valuable first-hand exposure to inclusive business and philanthropic activities through a wide range of on-ground actions, while also helping us scale up our impact, as we bring vision care to the underserved around the world.”
Anurag Hans,
Head, BoP Innovation Lab
By being part of the Fellowship programme, you can play a part in supporting Essilor’s trailblazing efforts in solving one of the world’s largest unaddressed disabilities – uncorrected poor vision. If you are looking for an opportunity to make an impact and learn from the pioneers of inclusive business models the social impact sector, this programme is for YOU!
The Details
- Duration: Six months in duration, beginning in February 2019
- Field placement with on-ground teams
- Airfare, travel, stipend & basic living cost support
The Program

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
What You Will Be Doing
As a Fellow, you can use your skill-sets and create impact across a range of areas of your interest, including but not limited to:
- Pilot new inclusive business models
- Optimise and scale-up of existing business models
- Develop market entry strategies
- Conduct research and impact studies
- Develop market-specific Human Resource strategies
We are looking for individuals who are:

Knowledge / Experience
Experience / Track Record:
Demonstrable track record of engaging in entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives.
Industry Experience:
Experience in Base-of-Pyramid markets and/or development-related sectors preferred
Geographical Experience:
Prior work and/or study experience in emerging markets preferred
Work Experience:
1-3 years of working experience, preferably in an entrepreneurial / high growth setting.
Qualifications
Education / Qualification / Certification:
Degree in any discipline/ Currently pursuing a full-time degree in a reputable institution.
Language:
Excellent proficiency in English. Proficiency in other languages is a plus.
Functional skills:
Proficient in MS Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
The Process
Step 1: Application & Pre-recorded Video Interview
- Complete our pre-recorded video intervew
- Upload your CV
Step 2: Live Video Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a live video interview
Step 3: Make an Impact
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Sight is our most important sense as it enables us to work, learn, and live better. Everyday over 60,000 employees in the Essilor Group work to better correct and protect the vision of everyone on this planet. While 2 billion people enjoy vision correction today, uncorrected poor vision remains the world’s most widespread unaddressed disability. It indiscriminately affects 2.7 billion – 1 in 3 – people around the world, yet 80% of vision problems can be solved with a simple pair of eye glasses.
Despite its staggering reach, the impact of poor vision is largely unknown to its victims and those with the ability to change and enforce public policy for good eye health. Every year the global cost of lost productivity due to uncorrected poor is $272 billion; and the problem is only getting worse. Myopia (nearsightedness) alone is predicted to affect 5 billion people – over half the world’s population – by 2050, impacting their physical health and mental well-being.
Our efforts provide people at the base of the pyramid and below the poverty line with the eye care they need. They also create a sustainable ecosystem through infrastructure and skills building. A report compiled last year has shown that our vision care programmes contribute to 7 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By the end of 2020, we will have equipped 50 million wearers with affordable quality eye glasses, but there is still more to do. To find out more about what we are doing to bring good vision to the underserved, please check the What We Do and Our Impact sections of the website.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

