In many developing countries, access to affordable vision care is limited, especially for conditions like presbyopia. Presbyopia, an age-related difficulty in reading small print that affects almost everyone as they get older, can have serious consequences for individuals who cannot find inexpensive reading glasses.
This lack of access to vision care can impact the ability of people in these countries to work and support their families. However, an international group of healthcare workers, vision specialists, and sociologists recognized this issue and initiated a project in 2017 to distribute reading glasses in developing countries.
In Bangladesh, the group distributed hundreds of reading glasses to people in rural villages. The glasses, which are essentially magnifying glasses with different strengths, significantly improved the vision of those affected by presbyopia. A study conducted in 59 villages found that providing reading glasses had a significant impact on the quality of life of those who received them. Those who received reading glasses experienced a 38 percent increase in their incomes, allowing them to return to work and support their families.
The cost of the reading glasses was a small investment with a large impact on the lives of individuals in developing countries. By addressing the visual needs of those affected by presbyopia, initiatives like this project play a crucial role in improving the economic and social well-being of communities in need.
