The pledge was made at its annual general meeting at Aston Business School last month, where the VAO board also announced its other five-year aims to:
Triple the number of spectacles dispensed in the developing world.
Expand training activities into five countries or more.
Triple its income.
Develop strong partnerships with other eye care organisations.
Director Tym Marsh (above left) said the last year had been successful, with project activity increasing, members now close to 900 and finances back in the black.
At the agm, Derek McLaren handed over the VAO chairmanship to chief executive of Sightcare, Paul Surridge (above right).
Also at the agm, West Yorkshire-based optometrist Ruth Perrott spoke about VAO's work in Burkina Faso, optical technician Dave Walker commented on establishing an optical workshop in Ethiopia and dispensing optician Mark Harris spoke to members regarding charitable work in Ghana.
Optical charity Vision Aid Overseas has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming a nationally-known cause in the next five years.