Glasses for developing world: A step toward eye healthcare equality

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• July 26, 2022

Insight summary

Access to vision care is unequally distributed globally, with a stark contrast between developed and developing nations. Technological advancements, such as low-cost adaptive glasses and mobile applications, are transforming vision care accessibility in underserved regions. These changes are poised to enhance global productivity, foster economic growth, and reshape healthcare in both developing and developed countries.

Glasses for the developing world context

In many developed nations, optometrists are readily available, averaging one for every 5,000 people. However, a significant disparity exists in developing countries, where millions lack access to prescription eyeglasses. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 80 percent of the population in Africa suffers from undiagnosed vision impairments. In response, the WHO initiated the Global Action Plan in 2014 to improve eyeglass accessibility in these regions.

Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in bridging this gap. For instance, VisionSpring has launched initiatives enabling individuals to purchase boxes of low-cost eyeglasses, priced at USD $0.85 per piece, for donation to those in need in developing countries. These efforts are not just acts of charity but also economic imperatives. The lack of access to corrective eyewear results in a staggering loss of over USD $200 billion annually in global productivity.

The economic implications of poor eyesight are profound. Individuals with uncorrected vision are often unable to perform optimally, leading to reduced productivity. By addressing eyesight issues, people can not only improve their work quality but also enhance their chances of securing better-paying jobs. 

Disruptive impact

The Center for Vision in the Developing World (CVDW) is making significant strides with its low-cost adaptive glasses, designed by physicist Joshua Silver. These glasses, costing only USD $1 per pair, feature fluid-filled membrane lenses whose curvature can be adjusted to correct vision without needing an optometrist's prescription. With over 100,000 pairs distributed in more than 20 countries, this innovation demonstrates how technology can make essential healthcare services more accessible.

In another approach, London-based ophthalmologist Andrew Bastawrous developed Peek Acuity, a smartphone app enabling non-medical personnel to conduct eye exams. The app, which uses a simple letter E displayed in various orientations, allows for quick and accurate vision assessments in under 77 seconds. Bastawrous's team is further enhancing this technology with Peek Retina, a camera attachment for smartphones that can photograph the retina to detect blood vessel damage. These advancements illustrate how mobile technology can decentralize and democratize eye care.

For companies, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors, these innovations open new markets and opportunities for collaboration and investment in developing countries. Meanwhile, for governments, embracing such technologies can significantly enhance public health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. This trend underscores the potential of technology to address global health disparities and improve access to essential services.

Implications of distributing glasses and vision care to developing nations

Wider implications of offering vision healthcare services and products to individuals living in developing nations may include:

• The development of offline smartphone applications for vision impairment diagnosis, combined with automated referrals to nearby clinics, enhancing accessibility to eye care services in remote and underserved areas.
• The continuous advancement of self-correcting and self-diagnosing adaptive glasses, coupled with government-funded initiatives for large-scale manufacturing and distribution, making vision correction more universally accessible.
• Collaborative efforts between governments, businesses, technology professionals, and data scientists to implement programs distributing eyeglasses in developing nations.
• Enhanced productivity and improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) metrics in developing nations resulting from broader access to modern vision care services, contributing to economic growth.
• Vision care innovations initially designed for the developing world gradually becoming available in developed countries, addressing eye care needs across socioeconomic divides.
• Increased demand for and participation in vocational training and higher education in communities where vision care becomes more accessible, leading to a more educated workforce.
• A rise in the development of locally based eye care services and industries in developing countries, promoting economic self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
• Governments incorporating vision care into national health policies and programs, recognizing its critical role in overall health and human development.
• Enhanced cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations in healthcare technology, as solutions developed in one region are adapted and applied globally.
• A shift in consumer expectations and demands, leading to more companies integrating social responsibility and health-focused solutions into their business models.

Questions to consider

• How other benefits may be realized by supporting vision care in remote areas or developing nations? 
• How do you think governments should support this initiative?