A Full Rack Can Still Be Out of Stock: The Nonprofit and Community Programs Assortment Problem

A nonprofit vision-access program can appear well stocked while still having functional gaps if the remaining eyewear does not match participant utilization. Total inventory is not the same as useful program availability.

What to check

  • reader powers participants select most often
  • remaining supply by program objective
  • inventory at each distribution location
  • replenishment lead time
  • product that is sitting unused

Use utilization, not appearance

For readers, a large quantity in the wrong powers does not solve the participant's need. For sunglasses, reserve supply should match actual distribution volume and verified product specifications.

Replenish from program data

Use frames distributed, powers selected, sites served, and remaining inventory to shape the next order.

Vision Access programs do not provide eye exams or diagnosis.

Continue: Vision Access Partnerships.

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