Remote Area Medical® (RAM) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing pain and alleviating suffering by providing free, high-quality healthcare to individuals who face barriers to accessing care due to cost, geography, or provider shortages. Since its founding in 1985, RAM has brought dental, vision, and medical services directly into underserved communities through large-scale mobile clinics, telehealth programs, and specialized outreach vehicles.

Over the past four decades, RAM has delivered more than $230 million in free healthcare services to over one million patients across 47 states. All care is delivered without billing, insurance requirements, or income qualifications, and is made possible by a small professional staff working alongside a nationwide network of licensed volunteer healthcare providers and community organizers.

Vision care is consistently among the most requested services at RAM clinics, with about 30% of their patients coming specifically for exams and glasses. For many patients, receiving prescription glasses is not a minor improvement but a life-changing intervention. Clear vision affects employability, medication management, academic success, and the ability to live safely and independently. In fact, in November 2025, RAM’s one millionth patient came seeking vision care and new glasses. When vision care is inaccessible, individuals often experience compromised health outcomes and negative social consequences.

RAM seeks to plan, validate, and evaluate activities necessary to responsibly launch the Digital Optometry Mobile Unit.