Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Wong, Frame Bender

Meet Brian, a GoodVision volunteer whose curiosity for “figuring out how things work” and 36 years of public service make him a natural fit for the mission. Brought into GoodVision by his brother Blair, a member of the GoodVision Board of Directors, Brian taught himself how to bend GoodVision glasses and now brings that skill to life at events like Vision Expo, demonstrating the bending process for anyone curious enough to ask, while lending his time wherever GoodVision’s operations need an extra hand.

We caught up with Brian for a quick Q&A:

Q: What excites and inspires you most about GoodVision’s mission?

A: “At the core of this organization is the bending machine. It is a machine that is hand powered, requires no electricity or water to operate, is easily transportable and is the size of a large shoe box. It is so simple to operate that a trained person can produce a pair of eyeglasses in 20 minutes, using materials that cost less than a US dollar. Such a simple, easy solution to a global issue. When I do my bending demonstrations, I imagine I’m the technician making the glasses for someone, and I imagine the joy and awe they must feel when they put them on and see clearly for the first time. It is exciting to know that my small part here helps GoodVision carry out it’s global mission to help others see clearly.”

Q: What’s been a highlight of your time as a volunteer so far?

A: “While on vacation in Germany, I had the opportunity to visit the offices of GoodVision International in Erlangen and met some of the directors, staff, and volunteers that direct and support the organization. Talking and learning from the staff and volunteers who run this international organization is one of the most memorable experiences in my life.”

Q: What keeps you inspired to support this work?

A: “When I look at the people in this organization, I am in awe of the expertise, knowledge, and wealth of experience that they all bring to the table, not just locally, but on a global scale. Each person is valued for their contributions, big or small. We all play a role in furthering GoodVision’s mission to help those who do not have access to basic eye care. Though my bending demonstrations may only be seen by relatively few, it can plant a seed that has the potential to help thousands upon thousands of the neediest people. Working with the GoodVision organization, and helping people see clearly, this is what inspires me to help in whatever capacity I can.”

Q: What are the strengths, skills, and experiences that you bring to GoodVision to advance our mission?

A: “I have always been more of a hands-on, task-oriented type of person than a planner. Demonstrating the bending machine, setting up our booth, transporting, taking care of our equipment and supplies, and helping wherever I can, those are my strengths and what I enjoy most!”

Q: What’s a fun fact people might not know about you?

A: “ My name is in a James Patterson book! I am friends with James O. Born, who is a crime novelist who co-authors the Michael Bennett thriller series with James Patterson. Jim named a detective after me in his book, “Ambush”.  Though it’s only a mention, I still think it’s very cool!”

Q: What’s a favorite book, podcast, or quote that inspires you?

A: ““Keep on keeping on…”  A friend and mentor used to say this to me. To keep trying to do the difficult things as best as we can, that we can never attain perfection, but keep trying. And in doing so, we build patience, perseverance, and self-discipline.”