To begin addressing this issue the root of the problem needs to be identified. The problem is rooted in the fact that most eye doctors in Kenya have the credentials to test eyesight and provide the necessary prescription but they do not have optical facilities. The lack in optical facilities forces the customers to buy their glasses from a private optician. A private opticians glass price would be incredibly expensive which makes glassware unattainable for this developing country. While the government facilities are obviously lacking refractive services the best solution that is the most practical is to donate refractive services from another government. There is a shortage of personnel, equipment, and money so these are the resources that would need to be donated for a fieldwork trip. A company in any government that is sound like the US or China can begin to fundraise so they can send there efforts to Kenya. Simple things can be put in place like having donation bins in the offices providing glasses that customers can by that will in-turn donate eyeglasses to someone in Kenya. Similar to the Business Model of Tom shoes. Additionally, an eyeglass company could search for donors who are willing to help fund their idea and partner with a college that has a huge database of alumni who give back to make more connections and generate more donors. While partnering with a college that has a lot of donations the partnership could also be used to develop a few students along the way. Having college students would also help spark an interest in them or others to do similar things in the future. Once this fundraising is completed the execution process would consist of sending people to Kenya with a portable shop and eyeglass samples to choose from. It would be ideal if the donors provide enough money to send all the needed resources and well-educated optometrists and college students. These people can then partner with the optometrist in Kenya and get more work done while they are on their field-work trip. These optometrists can then work together to write prescriptions. By having more optometrists on the fieldwork trip more people can be served. The money that is left over following the expenses of the travel can be used to pay for the glasses for customers who cannot afford them and give discounts to those who can. This project would require a lot of funding as the travel of equipment and personnel would be expensive so the fundraising and research should start well in advance to ensure that a lot of Kenyan citizens can be served while the pop-up shop is in town. Also, it is very important to have a popup shop so that it can travel Kenya to serve more than just one community and really make a difference. Overall, to attempt to solve this problem it should be done through the partnership of Kenya, a college or multiple colleges, and donors. Beginning to solve this problem for Kenya should start to aid their government structure because it would allow for more people to work longer.

I decided to enroll in this course initially because this fellowship was recommended to me by a professor. My interests stem from my career goal of working in cosmetics in the near future, my particular project involves coconuts which is a staple of the cosmetic industry ultimately helping me reach my career goal. I also do not consider myself cultured and by that, I mean that I am typically only aware of my reality. Being able to visit a developing country would help to broaden my horizons so that I could start to identify real problems that need to be solved instead of trying to design an insignificant makeup product such as highlighter. However, after the first class meeting, I came to realize I am probably way in over my head with my course load this semester on top of being a student-athlete in season. While this opportunity is intimidating, the first lecture made me realize that this may not be enjoyable all the time but it will give me the opportunity to develop myself in way I can’t even begin to imagine as well as enhance developing countries’ livelihood (hopefully). As a Materials Science and Engineering major, this course will help me develop the most important skills I will need for my future because there are many skills needed in industry that we will not learn in the classroom. I anticipate this course to enhance my time management skills, open my mind to the world, challenge me to be better every week, further enhance my teamwork skills, and culturally develop me.