Launching an Eyeglasses Organization

Discovering Purpose through the Award

At just 18 years old, Kobe Li has transformed his Award experience into tangible, life-changing action through his organization, the 20/20 Mission Foundation. A student in McMaster University’s Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences Program, Kobe completed his Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards entirely through the Virtual Award Centre, showcasing how virtual platforms can foster real-world impact.

The Start of 20/20 Mission

Inspired by his involvement in the Award, Kobe, alongside friends Jason and fellow Award holder Elva (Silver Award recipient), founded the 20/20 Mission Foundation. Their vision was clear: provide desperately needed eyecare to underserved communities.

What started as a simple idea in January 2023 quickly turned into reality. Kobe explained, “We first connected with Rayjon through a simple Google search and quickly connected with Bob, who was not only willing to accept our used eyeglasses collected by our organization, 20/20 Mission, but also receptive to letting us participate in the upcoming trip in November 2023.” By June, Kobe and his team had collected over 500 pairs of eyeglasses from local optometrists and shops, ready to bring clearer vision to those who needed it most.

Bringing Sight to Mixco, Guatemala

In November 2023, Kobe’s vision took him to Mixco, Guatemala. “We met up in Guatemala City, where we worked with a host family to set up a five-day optometry clinic,” Kobe recalls. “Despite our hotel being just three kilometres away, it took us 30 minutes to navigate around the natural land barriers isolating this community.”

The setting was humble—a run-down gymnasium—but the community’s reception was heartwarming. Over 100 patients lined up on the first morning, eager for a chance to receive much needed eyecare. Using the glasses Kobe and his team collected through 20/20 Mission, they matched each patient with suitable prescriptions. “Some patients required immediate surgery, some had never attended school due to high myopia, and some needed glasses with lenses an inch thick,” Kobe explained. “Yet, with each patient, we found a match.”

Kobe vividly remembers the powerful reactions as patients experienced clear vision for the first time. “Hundreds of patients lit up, in awe at the world they had never seen,” Kobe said. He shared two particularly moving encounters, one being a 24-year-old woman, severely myopic since childhood, who received glasses that allowed her to finally see clearly. “She cried tears of joy for ten minutes,” Kobe recounted. “She had plans to return to school, empowered by her new vision. The moment showed me how something as simple as a pair of glasses can completely change the course of someone’s life—and even the trajectory of their entire family.”

Kobe also described a local construction worker that visited during his lunch break. “When he put on his glasses, he burst into tears and exclaimed in Spanish, ‘I can see again!’ He hugged everyone in gratitude.”

A New Perspective

The experience deeply impacted Kobe’s perspective on life and purpose. “In North America, people often take optimism for granted,” Kobe shared. “Yet, in Mixco, despite their challenging conditions, patients greeted us smiling and joyful. It was eye-opening.”

Kobe’s experience shifted his understanding of meaningful impact. “Before, I was proud of influencing 1300 students at my high school,” he reflected. “But standing next to someone and helping them see again—that’s a completely different tier of life-changing.”

Holding onto Hope

Yet, Kobe acknowledges the broader systemic issue: “There are still over 1.1 billion people worldwide without proper vision care.” He remains hopeful, grounded in the personal stories of those he helped. “Even small-scale impacts create hope for future, larger changes,” Kobe said. “It always goes back to the people—their stories inspire emotional connections and greater hope. I know that my future career involves improving the world through the provision of healthcare services, and I can without a doubt say that the Award’s framework has challenged me and allowed me to realize what my true purpose is.”

Why Choose the Virtual Award Centre?

Kobe enthusiastically endorses the Virtual Award Centre (VAC), noting its advantages for many participants. “I knew people who completed their Award through traditional Centres, but I think the virtual approach is beneficial for many,” Kobe explained. “It eliminates barriers like finding a local Centre. When I wanted to register as soon as possible, the VAC offered accessible support and easy communication with Award Leaders.”

Not only did the Award shape Kobe’s future ambitions, but it also strengthened his personal connections. “My girlfriend, Elva, introduced me to the Award,” Kobe shared. “Our relationship grew as we connected over shared experiences and goals.”

Continuing the Vision

Kobe and his team are already planning their next eyecare initiative, possibly in November 2025. The journey of impact is just beginning, proving the endless potential young people hold when empowered by opportunities like the Award.

Through it all, he documented the experience using videography skills he developed during the Skill section of his Award. “I’d done freelance sports videography here and there, and during Silver I honed those skills even more,” he explains. “That gave me the structure and confidence to take on a project like this.”

You can watch Kobe’s journey and the impact of the 20/20 Mission in his beautifully shot video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxgcIDuyAQQ

If Kobe’s story inspires you, register now for our Virtual Award Centre with the code VAC20 for a limited-time discount of 20% off until April 30th, 2025!

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