Mr. Nizar Mamdani graduated from ICU in 1969. Having grown up in Tanzania, he decided to enroll at ICU following the footsteps of his brother Iqbal. He is now based in the United States and leads a non-profit organization called First Sight Eyeglasses that distributes free eyeglasses to children in need around the world.

Mr. Mamdani shared his journey with us.

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From Tanzania to ICU to 32 Countries: One ICU Graduate’s Mission to Give the World’s Children the Gift of Sight—For Free

I was born in Tanzania—a land of beauty and resilience, but also of limited opportunity, especially for those who dreamt of higher education. For many of us, the doors to university were tightly shut. But one miraculous door opened for me—Japan. And within it, ICU.

International Christian University didn’t just educate me—it transformed me. ICU shaped my values, my purpose, and ultimately, my life’s mission. It was there, among a diverse and compassionate student body, that I learned the principles that would guide me forever: Japanese discipline, deep respect for elders, loyalty, humility, and the courage to fight for what I believe in.

Living in the ICU dormitory (Dai Ni) taught me something equally powerful—the spirit of brotherhood and shared humanity. We were young, idealistic, and full of dreams. We cooked and cleaned together, shared stories late into the night, and built lifelong bonds. I remember my ofuro duty—feeding coal into the furnace to heat the water for everyone’s bath. That small, humble task taught me about service, cooperation, and doing one’s part for the good of the community. ICU wasn’t just a university—it was a crucible for character and compassion.

As a student, I worked (arubaito) at NHK and Nihon Television, and I taught Swahili at the Asian African Institute. These experiences helped me develop a strong sense of responsibility, communication, and global awareness. Eventually, I moved to the United States and enjoyed success in various ventures—investment banking, electronics, and real estate. I later served for 20 years as Executive Director for International Healthcare at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), where I had the honor of founding the International Healthcare Program.

At UNMC, my wife and I personally funded a free training program in oncology for healthcare professionals from developing countries. Over the years, we trained 147 doctors and specialists, who now serve in their home countries, using their advanced training to save lives and strengthen local health systems.

But the most fulfilling chapter of my life began after retirement—with a mission born from the values instilled in me at ICU.

Today, I lead a nonprofit called First Sight Eyeglasses, Inc. Our mission is simple: to give the gift of clear vision to schoolchildren around the world, completely free of charge. Since founding First Sight, we’ve distributed over 145,000 pairs of customized prescription eyeglasses in 32 countries—from rural villages in Tanzania and Malawi to underserved urban areas in the Philippines and Vietnam.

These children are often bright, motivated, and full of potential—but they’re held back by one simple barrier: they cannot see clearly. We developed a unique, portable vision screening and eyeglass-fitting system that requires no electricity, no trained professionals, and takes less than 10 minutes per child. The total cost? Just $6.95 per pair. Yet to the child who receives them, these glasses are priceless—they are a pathway to staying in school, learning, and dreaming bigger.

In Malawi, 38% of the children we screened needed glasses. In Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, we see similar numbers. Even in the United States, our system is now used by Lions Clubs, faith-based organizations, AdventHealth hospitals, and schools to reach underserved students.

Every pair is provided free to the child—no exceptions. My wife and I have personally funded most of this work, and we are joined by a small but growing number of generous donors who believe, as we do, that education is the most powerful way to lift a child—and an entire generation—out of poverty.

But how can a child learn if they can’t see the board? First Sight’s mission is clear: keep children in school by helping them see clearly. One child, one classroom, one pair of glasses at a time.

As I reflect on my journey, I know with certainty that none of this would have happened without ICU. It was ICU that took in a young man from Tanzania, helped him find his voice, his values, and his vision—literally and metaphorically. ICU gave me the opportunity my country could not. And now, I am paying that gift forward, every day.

To today’s ICU students: what you’re learning now isn’t just information—it’s inspiration. You are being equipped to serve. To lead. To heal. To lift others. The world is waiting for you.

I left ICU more than 50 years ago, but ICU has never left me. It lives in every child we help, every school we visit, and every smile that comes when a child sees the world clearly for the first time.

With lifelong gratitude,

Nizar Mamdani
Founder, First Sight Eyeglasses
ICU Class of 1969

About the Author

Nizar Mamdani is the founder of First Sight Eyeglasses, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing free, customized prescription eyeglasses to schoolchildren in underserved communities across 32 countries. Born in Tanzania, Nizar graduated from International Christian University (ICU), Japan, in 1969. He later founded the International Healthcare Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), where he and his wife personally funded a free training program in oncology for 147 healthcare professionals from developing countries. These professionals now serve in their home countries, applying the skills gained at UNMC.

Earlier in his career, Nizar led successful ventures in investment, electronics, and real estate, and has traveled to more than 60 countries. He met his late wife, Nancy Hunt—an ICU JYA student, on ICU campus, and their first daughter was born in Tokyo. Nizar speaks seven languages. Nizar now devotes his life to philanthropy, helping children stay in school by restoring their sight, one pair of eyeglasses at a time. Nizar now lives in Naples, Florida. Mobile: +1-402-312-0012; www.firstsight.org.