Our Journey
- Presbyoptics Solutions welcomed into the D-Prize Community to Improve Vision in Kenya
- Bringing Affordable reading glasses to understand communities in Bondo Sub County.
- The READING GLASSES CHALLENGE.
- Our Encouragement and shared learning from The D-Prize network
Presbyoptics Solutions welcomed into the D-Prize Commmunity to Improve Vision in KenyaBringing Affordable reading glasses to understand communities in Bondo Sub County.
We are humbled and grateful to share that Presbyoptics Solutions has been welcomed into the D-Prize community of Changemakers. This opportunity allows us to strengthen our mission to improve access to reading glasses for individuals in Bondo Sub county, Kenya.
Uncorrected presbyopia Affects many people aged 40 and above, yet barriers such as cost, limited availability and the belief that reading glasses require a prescription prevent access.
Our approach works to change this by offering a simple affordable solution- one rooted in the community.
By collaborating with Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and Church networks, we’re bringing reading glasses closer to where people live and gather. Local teams are trained to perform basic vision screenings using tools like the Snellen Chart and WHOEYES app and distribute non-prescriptions reading glasses at subsided costs.
THE READING GLASSES CHALLENGE.
In the Reading Glasses Challenge Presbyoptics was able to prove to capable of distributing nonprescription reading/ working glasses to those in need. The D-Prize (Distribution Equals Development) Livelihood Challenges, was looking to Sell Reading Glasses, Reading spectacles, or near-vison glasses in hard-to-reach communities.
Millions of people over 40 lack access to simple reading glasses. This limits their earnings potential and overall quality of life.
Our problem stated that:As people age, their eyes lose the ability to focus up close. This part of aging can start around 40. Then progressively worsen. The medical term is Presbyopia.
Uncorrecorrected presbyopia harms people’s quality of life and productivity. A recent study finds that 80% of patients with uncorrected presbyopia have difficult performing near related tasks like reading and sewing.
This corresponds with a 22%decrease in quality of life. Presbyopia also decreases workers productivity. Recent trials show that correcting presbyopia can lead to a 22% increase in relative productivity, and a 33 increase in income.
Global annual productivity losses from uncorrected presbyopia are estimated to be $367 billion USD. Reading glasses are a simple, affordable and universally accepted solution. They may be referred to as reading spectacles or near vision glasses. They changed the distance at which objects are in focus so that close objects like mobile phones can be seen clearly. They tend to cost a few dollars and shouldn’t require a prescription.
Reading glasses are different from prescription glasses, which correct different vision issues.
Unfortunately, 826 million people with presbyopia don’t have access to basic reading glasses. The problem is most prevalent in sub-Saharan and around southeast Asia. The situation is set to get worse. 866 million people are projected to have uncorrected presbyopia by 2025.
Why are reading glasses unavailable to so many people?
A root problem is that access is extremely limited in many low and middle income countries.
Readers are often available in their largest capital cities.
Additionally, in some settings, reading glasses are only available by visiting a healthcare worker and getting prescription. This can be inconvenient, and expensive. Oftentimes, a prescription shouldn’t be needed to buy simple reading glasses. As a comparison, inn high income countries, reading glasses are for sale at every pharmacy, supermarkets, and a cornerstore.
Customers don’t require a medical visit, prescription or screening by trained provider. And this isn’t a new market – reading glasses have been available over the counter for over 40 years.
Presbyoptics solutions was challenged to Design a new social enterprise that distributes nonprescription reading/ working glasses to those in need.This call to action launched in partnership with the Livelihood Impact Fund Eyeglass Initiative, will see Presbyoptics Solutions awarded up to $20,000 to fund our plan to mobilize retail networks to reach underserved in low and middle income communities in Bondo Sub-County.
We are grateful to the support our aim to restoring vision and empowering communities on a small scale. Focused on our target of reaching 100k People within five years in Kenya.
Our Encouragement and shared learning from The D-Prize networkAt Presbyoptics Solutions, we aim to:
- Reach 475+ people aged 40 and above with affordable reading glasses.
- Train 7 CHVs and 5 Church-based volunteers in vision screening and inventory management.
- Refer 100% of complex cases to qualified ophthalmologists for further care
The Presbyoptics Solutions initiative is carried forward by Our committed team sailed by
- Beatrice Achieng Abura, Our Founder and Director, a Public Health Specialists with over 10 years of experience in Community health, Program design and implementation.
- Eugene Reywa Peywa, Our Co-Founder & Project Coordinator, M&E. Daktari has a Monitoring & Evaluation professional background in research and data driven development programs.
We believe that, together, and alongside our local communities, we’re working to normalize the use of reading glasses and improve the quality of life for those often overlooked.
Ahsante Kwa Kazi.
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