Providing Cheap Glasses For Better Vision

Startling evidence exists that many people from the poorer class need eyewear. This is quickly becoming a global issue. Reported by the World Health Organization, there are 517 million people from developing countries who suffer from visual impairment because of inaccessibility to curative eye treatment. At Oxford University, the Center for Vision in the Developing World has a much higher approximation. Their assessment shows that more than one billion people need corrective vision. There is a traditional and economical way for reaching a resolution and that is by providing affordable eyeglass options.

Even with such a simple solution, the issue is still ongoing on a wide scale. The poor find it very challenging to gain access to affordable eyewear. This forces millions of people to live below their capabilities.

The Visually Impaired

Impairment of one's vision is more than just being healthy. The implication of it involves economics, education and the safety of the public. One example is in the country of Tanzania where there are about 71% of the people who are farsighted. This prevents them from doing work that requires nearsightedness such as reading, cooking and sewing. Additionally, only 6% of the farsighted actually wear glasses. In India, for example, there were merely 7% of the population that wore eyewear and yet 65% of the people were in need of them.

For these poor people, buying inexpensive eyeglasses online could be the difference between leading an improved life and retaining a life that reduces their earning potential as well as educational opportunities. Performing simple daily tasks have proven challenging for these people. There have been different approaches to solving this issue; some of which include using non-profit organizations and social enterprises, but none have seemed to work on any large scale.

The Challenge

People in poor countries have a challenge when it comes to their vision. Most of them will continue to have these problems, not only because of the inaccessibility of or the inability to afford eyewear, but also due to the lack of awareness about the benefits of restoring their vision. A study done by East Timor established that about 49% of people in rural areas were not even willing to buy eyewear for a dollar. This was not true of people who lived in urban areas, who were willing to pay 10% of their monthly salary, especially if it corrected their vision.

In India, a recent study was done where subjects were provided with free glasses. After a month of using the free glasses, the subjects were asked what they were willing to pay. The average answer was $4. This shows that people will sacrifice to pay for something which improves their life, especially if they think it is competitively priced. Private business and government entities should work side by side to provide an affordable solution to help those who need urgent eye care.

Online Options

Whether people from these countries can access the internet to purchase inexpensive glasses themselves or philanthropic businesses are looking for places to purchase cheap glasses for distribution among people living in poor countries, purchasing glasses online is often the most affordable option.

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