Start a New Chapter

Expand our mission to provide vision care by establishing a new Sight The World chapter in your community.

Why Start a Chapter?

Starting a Sight The World chapter is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond. As a chapter leader, you will:

  • Expand access to vision care for underserved populations
  • Build a network of like-minded professionals passionate about eye health
  • Create opportunities for education and professional development
  • Make a meaningful difference in people's lives through the gift of sight

Our chapters range from local community groups to university-based student organizations, all working toward our shared mission of sustainable vision care for all.

Chapter members at a meeting

Types of Chapters

There are several ways to structure a Sight The World chapter based on your community's needs.

Local Chapters

Community-based chapters serve specific geographic areas, organizing local vision screenings and coordinating volunteer efforts.

Ideal For:
  • Eye care professionals in a specific region
  • Community leaders interested in health initiatives
  • Multi-disciplinary healthcare teams

University Chapters

Student-led chapters at optometry, medical, or other health professional schools focusing on education and service.

Ideal For:
  • Optometry and medical students
  • Faculty mentors at health professional schools
  • Student organizations focused on global health

International Chapters

Chapters based outside the U.S. that focus on vision care needs in their regions and collaborate globally.

Ideal For:
  • Eye care professionals in other countries
  • NGOs focused on health services delivery
  • International healthcare coalitions

How to Start a Chapter

Follow these steps to establish your Sight The World chapter.

1

Gather Interested Individuals

Identify at least 5-10 committed individuals who share our vision and are willing to serve as founding members. This should include eye care professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

2

Submit an Interest Form

Complete our chapter interest form to express your intention to start a chapter. Our team will review your submission and contact you to discuss next steps.

3

Develop a Chapter Plan

Work with our Chapter Development Coordinator to create a comprehensive plan that outlines your chapter's goals, structure, and initial activities.

4

Complete the Application Process

Submit the official chapter application, which includes your chapter bylaws, leadership structure, and initial membership roster. Our board will review your application for approval.

5

Receive Chapter Charter

Once approved, your chapter will receive its official charter and access to resources, training, and support from the national organization.

6

Launch Your Chapter

Host a kickoff event to introduce your chapter to the community and begin implementing your initial activities and programs.

Start the Process Today

Chapter Resources

We provide comprehensive support to help your chapter succeed.

Chapter Handbook

Comprehensive guide with policies, procedures, and best practices for running a successful chapter.

Leadership Training

Regular training sessions for chapter leaders on recruitment, program development, and governance.

Templates & Materials

Ready-to-use templates for bylaws, meeting agendas, promotional materials, and more.

Mentor Support

Connection with experienced chapter leaders who can provide guidance and advice.

Chapter Interest Form

Complete this form to start the process of establishing a new Sight The World chapter.

Please provide your first name.
Please provide your last name.
Please provide a valid email address.
Please provide a valid phone number.
Please provide a location for your chapter.
Please select a type of chapter.
Please share your relevant experience.
Please share your motivation.
You must agree to the terms before submitting.

Chapter Success Stories

Hear from leaders who have established successful chapters.

Dr. Rebecca Torres
Dr. Rebecca Torres

Dallas Chapter President

"Starting our local chapter has been incredibly rewarding. In just two years, we've screened over 5,000 people and provided glasses to more than 2,000 individuals who couldn't otherwise afford them. The support from the national organization made the process seamless."

Dr. Jason Kim
Dr. Jason Kim

UCSD Student Chapter Founder

"As optometry students, we wanted to make a difference before graduation. Our university chapter has given us hands-on experience while serving our community. We've now expanded to annual international service trips, which has transformed our education and career goals."

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about starting a chapter.

We recommend having at least 5-10 committed founding members to establish a strong foundation for your chapter. This includes a mix of eye care professionals, community leaders, and other stakeholders who are passionate about our mission.

There is a nominal chapter chartering fee of $250 that helps cover the administrative costs of establishing a new chapter. This fee provides access to all chapter resources, leadership training, and ongoing support from the national organization.

The process typically takes 2-3 months from initial interest to official chapter approval. This timeline allows for thorough planning, membership recruitment, and the development of chapter bylaws and leadership structure.

While having eye care professionals involved is beneficial, it's not required for all leadership positions. Chapters benefit from diverse skills including administration, fundraising, community outreach, and event planning. We recommend having at least one eye care professional as a chapter advisor.

Chapters are required to maintain a minimum membership of 5 active members, hold regular meetings (at least quarterly), conduct at least one vision care activity annually, submit annual reports, and participate in national organization initiatives when possible.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join our global network of chapters bringing vision care to communities in need. Take the first step today.

Start a Chapter