Leadership Behind the Mission
Nizar Mamdani, CEO
I was born in Mwanza, Tanzania. I went to undergraduate and graduate schools in Tokyo, Japan. I’m an international business leader and have worked in international investment banking. For the past 20 years, I was the Executive Director and the founder of International Healthcare at the University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine (UNMC). During this period, I visited more than 220 healthcare institutions in 57 countries and concluded strategic partnership programs with 122 institutions in 44 countries. Through my programs and efforts, UNMC provided effective healthcare training to its international healthcare partners and treated hundreds of international patients from 59 countries, generating millions of dollars in revenue for UNMC.
During my extensive travels around the world, I observed an acute need for affordable, easily accessible corrective eye care solutions. I have a profound understanding of the challenges faced by many individuals who have poor eyesight and who have no hope of accessing clear vision. This realization led to the inception of First Sight LLC., a philanthropic organization dedicated entirely to revolutionizing global vision care by providing affordable and accessible eyeglasses in under ten minutes. Tens of thousands of First Sight’s high-quality eyeglasses have already been distributed in 31 countries.
Marsha Mamdani, Ph.D.Executive Director
I was born in Salina, Kansas. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, two Master’s degrees as well as a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. I have worked in professional business training and education for over four decades. I’m very passionate about children’s education and have always enjoyed teaching children and adults.
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Together with my husband, I embarked on travels across the globe. My encounters with children in schools were eye-opening. We witnessed students sitting at the back of classrooms, struggling to comprehend lessons, not because of a lack of ability or desire to learn, but solely due to poor vision. I observed that in so many countries, students receive limited materials, and teachers write most lessons on blackboards.
For these children, the inability to clearly see the board or reading materials becomes a significant barrier to their education. The consequences are far-reaching, as they face isolation and are often mistakenly labeled with attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, or other impairments. Sadly, many students eventually drop out of school, becoming burdens to their families and societies, resulting in lifelong impacts on their futures.
The plight of adults with poor eyesight also weighs heavily on our hearts. Many are forced to abandon their jobs or struggle to succeed due to vision-related limitations. Their reduced productivity jeopardizes their employment, affecting their ability to support their families, leading to increased strain on both the family and society. I know from experience that our First Sight process is an immense help in overcoming the great need for clear vision for children and adults.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. William MacArthur
William (Bill) MacArthur is the owner and president of Brooksville Development, LLC, partnering with investors from Asia to develop real estate in the United States and Southeast Asia. Before founding Brooksville in 1982, Bill established the Trans-Arabian Investment Bank in Bahrain and Transar Capital Corporation in New York, handling significant investments from the Middle East in the U.S.
Bill’s career is as diverse as it is distinguished - he has practiced law on Wall Street and in Tokyo, and he has taught history at an American college preparatory boarding school in the Philippines. Since 1998, he has directed the Brooksville Fund’s efforts in social development across Africa, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, India, and Tibet–focusing on health, education, and environmental sustainability.
He serves on several boards committed to these causes, including the African Medical and Research Foundation USA and the Chelonian Research Institute. Bill holds degrees from Yale University and Columbia Law School, underscoring a lifelong dedication to social impact and global progress.
Mr. Kristopher Kluver
Kris Kluver is a seasoned entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and bestselling author with a strong presence in Colorado and Nebraska. He is the founder of Entrepreneurial Advisors, guiding hundreds of CEOs and leadership teams across industries to achieve significant business growth, operational transformation, and market leadership, including supporting some clients to billion-dollar valuations.
Kris’s experience includes launching and managing more than 20 successful businesses from the age of 19, with ventures spanning technology, construction, and pharmaceuticals. He is celebrated for his innovative mindset and ability to help organizations navigate complex challenges.
As an author, Kris has published best-selling books such as “ The Aspiring Solopreneur: Your Business Start-Up Bible” and “ The Fable: Life on Your Terms,” empowering individuals to achieve personal and professional fulfillment.
Dr. Howard Freedman is a retired pediatric ophthalmologist with a distinguished career dedicated to preventing childhood blindness. He graduated from Harvard College with a degree in Biology in 1969 and earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1973. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Washington University in St Louis, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology in Leeds, London, England.
Dr. Freedman pioneered the development of the first photo screening camera to detect amblyopia (lazy eye) in preschool children–a breakthrough innovation in early vision screening
His commitment to preventing blindness extends far beyond his medical practice. For over 40 years, Dr. Freedman has been an active member of the Lions Club, serving as past president of the Naples
Lions Club and as the current medical director of the Bonita Springs Lions Eye Clinic. Under his leadership, the clinic expanded from 100 to nearly 2,000 patients per month, providing free eye care, surgeries, and eyeglasses to those in need. Dr. Freedman’s unwavering dedication has had a profound impact on thousands of lives in his community.
Dr. Howard Freedman
Dr. J. Timothy Diegel
Dr. J. Timothy Diegel is a highly respected ophthalmology specialist with over 52 years of experience in treating a broad spectrum of eye diseases. A graduate with honors from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1972, Dr. Diegel has dedicated his life to preserving and restoring sight for his patients.
He currently practices at Park Nicollet Clinic in Minnesota and also serves as the Medical Director of the Florida Lions Eye Clinic in Bonita Springs, Florida. Dr. Dieael and his team provide comprehensive eye care services–from routine exams to cataract, glaucoma, and retinal treatments–while prioritizing safety, particularly during the pandemic
Dr. Diegel’s deep expertise and compassionate care have made him
a trusted physician and a strong advocate for accessible eye health
Dr. Janerose Mutegi Kibaara
Dr. Janerose Mutegi Kibaara is a distinguished leader in education management, policy development, and organizational growth. Currently a professor at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya, she has over 27 years of experience driving impactful change across private, public, and non-profit sectors.
As a leadership coach and policy consultant, Dr. Kibaara has collaborated extensively with government agencies and educational institutions to develop strategic initiatives and integrate new curriculum standards. She has also mentored emerging leaders through the YALI Regional Leadership Centre East Africa and is the
Charter President of Soroptimist International (SI) Shikilia e-Club, championing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across Africa.
Dr. Kibaara holds a Ph.D. in Education Management and Policy from Kenyatta University and numerous certifications, including Certified Trainer of Trainers and Certified Environmental Impact Assessment & Audit Consultant. Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and social justice,
