The study, conducted by the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE), highlights the drawbacks of donating recycled eyeglasses to developing countries. It emphasizes the benefits of providing funding for eye examinations and new glasses instead. This method is currently used by many philanthropic organizations, including Vision Care and the Lions Club.
Ineffectiveness of Recycled Glasses: The study found that only 7% of the 275 recycled glasses tested were suitable for use. This low proportion of usable glasses undermines the effectiveness of using recycled glasses as a solution for correcting refractive errors in developing countries.
High Delivery Cost: The process of sorting, cleaning, and delivering recycled glasses contributes to a high societal cost, estimated at $20.49 per pair. (This cost is much higher than supplying customized prescription eyeglasses by First Sight, which have a price range from US$3.95 to $5.95 per each prescription eyeglass with customized lenses (100 eyeglasses per Kit).
Variability of Lenses: Recycled glasses often have lenses with varying degrees of optical power, making them unsuitable for addressing the specific prescription needs of individuals with vision impairment. This variability hinders the effectiveness of recycled glasses as a corrective measure.
Limited Suitability: Recycled glasses may not suit many individuals affected by common forms of vision impairment. This further diminishes their utility as a solution for addressing vision problems.
Feel-Good Attractiveness: While people may feel good about donating their old glasses, the study suggests that this approach does not provide a cost-saving solution or effectively address the needs of those with vision impairments.
Advocacy for Eye Examinations and New Glasses: The study advocates for investing in eye examinations and providing new pairs of customized eyeglasses as a more efficient and impactful solution. It emphasizes that a $10 investment in eye examinations and new glasses is a more effective way to help those in need. At just US$3.95 to $6.95 (per each prescription eyeglass with customized lenses or $6.95 in quantity)
Resource Considerations: The study emphasizes the importance of carefully assessing the costs and benefits of any public health intervention. Even though some argue about the cost of disposing of used materials, the low usability rate of recycled glasses does not significantly reduce the resources required for appropriate disposal.
Long-Term Replacement: Even usable recycled glasses are likely to require earlier replacement, adding to the ongoing cost and logistical challenges associated with using recycled glasses.
Dr Wilson of ICEE said a preferable method is to provide an eye exam and use ready-made or, even better, inexpensive custom-made glasses. “The peak international body in blindness prevention efforts, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), recommends that groups involved in eye care should not accept donations of recycled glasses nor use them in their programmes,” he said.
“If people would like to contribute to the global effort, I would urge them to support organisations that are involved in the Vision 2020 initiative of the World Health Organization that are working to eliminate avoidable blindness and vision impairment worldwide.” The paper ‘Real Cost of Recycled Spectacles’ appeared in the March 2012 edition of Optometry and Vision Science. The article underscores that while the intention behind donating recycled glasses is positive, this approach is not a cost-effective or efficient way to address refractive errors and vision impairment in developing countries. Instead, the study suggests that investing in eye examinations and providing new glasses is a more impactful strategy to help those in need and build capacity in these communities.
Our First Sight process overcomes all the impediments of donated eyeglasses. Our process is low-tech, simple, totally mobile, and needs no electricity, making it possible for anyone to screen and fit a pair of first sight eyeglasses on children and adults. Our sustainable and cost-effective prescription eye care system empowers non-professionals to diagnose and treat refractive errors in any venue in just 10 minutes. Aligned with WHO’s concerns, our method effectively addresses the key challenges of global vision care.
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First Sight is a sustainable and cost-effective prescription eye care system that empowers non-professionals to diagnose and treat refractive errors in any venue even without electricity in just 10 minutes. Aligned with WHO’s concerns, our method of effectively addressing the key challenges of global vision care. Click here.
Please also visit firstsight.org for Donations
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