Donated spectacles show lack of vision
Research on the Pacific nation of Tuvalu carried out by staff of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ has revealed that donating recycled spectacles to people in developing countries can create more problems than it solves.
The study showed that, out of a shipment of 102 second hand spectacles, only 13 were useful.
Of the spectacles provided, over 60% were found to be optically unusable and therefore unlikely to suit any individual other than the person for whom they were originally prescribed. A significant number were also damaged and could not be used.
"As glasses rarely match another person's exact visual needs, a large number are never dispensed and are eventually thrown away," says Jacqui Ramke, program manager for the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.
"Glasses are much the same as dentures or orthopaedic shoes, in that they are specifically made for the individual and are rarely useful for someone else," Miss Ramke adds.
Testing all the second hand spectacles is time consuming and all too often unrewarding. The eye clinics that receive them have limited storage space and, since a large number of the spectacles can never be dispensed, they are often thrown away.
Rather than using donated spectacles, the study revealed that a more suitable option is to import new low cost spectacles and train technicians to test vision and dispense spectacles accurately.
The research supports recent changing attitudes to donated medications. The hand-outs, although given with good intentions, can in many cases be unresponsive to local need and tend to increase reliance rather than develop the country's capacity.
In light of the research The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ has helped establish spectacles programs throughout the Pacific.
Low cost spectacles are imported and sold as affordably as possible, but with a small profit to cover the cost of a nurse's salary and to subsidise those that cannot afford to pay.
As a result, people receive a reliable supply of correctly prescribed spectacles that are functional and cosmetically appropriate. Further, a business is established, someone is employed and trained, and a system is put in place which enables an ongoing supply of spectacles so the community stops being dependent on goodwill and charity.
"The requirements of people in developing countries are not that different from our own here in New Zealand," says Miss Ramke.
"They need spectacles that fit well, look appealing and are the correct strength for their specific vision problem. By supporting locally-based, affordable spectacle businesses, the local communities are ensured their needs are being met effectively and sustainably and the economic benefit is felt locally rather than offshore."
Read the original article by Ramke J, du Toit R, Brian G: An assessment of recycled spectacles donated to a developing country. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol, 2006;34, 671-6.
The definitive version is available at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118001125/home. Read the abstract here.