Each year numerous mission and humanitarian groups travel from the United States to underdeveloped countries throughout the world. Those groups which have optical teams are frequently not well prepared, utilize untrained personnel and have little participation and guidance from professionals. Often large optical teams run by professionals are unaware of new automated methods to properly utilize the huge available supply of used prescription glasses. Kendall Optometry Ministry first discovered the shortcomings in optical ministry during a mission trip to Honduras in August, 1999 and left with a God given passion to do it better. 

Since 1999 I have gone to Honduras 29 times and Nicaragua 3 times.  Each time something would be improved.  The use of the autorefractor was introduced into Honduras  in 2003 and another one into Nicaragua in 2004.  A special series of computer  programs were developed to manage and build the inventory.  Since 2003 of the 51 BMDMI mission teams more than 95% of these teams use the equipment and software developed by Kendall Optometry Ministry, Inc.  

In 2003 Kendall Optometry Ministry was incorporated as a 501-3c non-profit company.    Using donations provided by several churches and individuals this company purchased a set of equipment which could be loaned out to Christian mission teams going all over the world.  Later in 2005 a 2nd kit was purchased and in 2006 a 3rd and a 4th kit was purchased.  In the beginning of 2007 a 5th kit was purchased.  At the end of 2007 a 6th and 7th kit including a Retinomax 3 was purchased.  By the end of 2009 the company owned 10 kits. In 2010 the company purchased two more kits.  In 2011 the company purchased 1 more kit bringing the total to 13.  By 2017 the company had purchased 18 kits.  In 2018 KOM purchased kit number 19.   The teams use this equipment to not only allow people to read their Bible but to also to help them improve their standard of living.  You can read about some of these teams in the Teams Supported area of our web site.