In developing countries, many people suffer from presbyopia, a common visual condition that causes difficulty in reading fine print as a result of aging. This condition affects almost everyone around age 50, leading to challenges in daily tasks such as reading newspapers or medicine bottles. However, in Western countries, affordable reading glasses are readily available in pharmacies, shops, and kiosks. In contrast, access to such glasses is limited in developing countries.
To address this issue, a group of healthcare workers, vision specialists, and sociologists launched a project in 2017 to distribute reading glasses in villages in Bangladesh. The project aimed to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by presbyopia and enable them to continue working. Through this initiative, hundreds of reading glasses were distributed to villagers, resulting in a significant improvement in their vision and livelihoods.
A study conducted in 59 villages in Bangladesh found that distributing reading glasses to adults affected by presbyopia led to a 38% increase in their incomes. Many individuals who had previously stopped working due to poor vision were able to return to work and support their families. The low cost of the reading glasses, priced at an average of 3-4 dollars, made the initiative a cost-effective way to enhance people’s quality of life.
The success of the project highlights the importance of addressing visual impairments
