Optiboard World Vision Project

[Jubilee]

Aren't there enough in need in our own countries?

So what are you doing to combat that need in our own country?

Currently there are several charities that work with domestic vision projects. LensCrafters GOS program runs not only their vision van, but is doing domestic 2 week missions 2 times a year in Chicago and 2 times a year somewhere in New York along with their on site, Lions Club vouchers etc..

Sight for students through VSP helps with children...

Prevent Blindness does amazing work with both of the above, and some of their own programs...

Currently I have been working on developing a plan with a few local labs to serve the needs of our adult population do to the lack of resources there, and Jacqui has one in place utilizing her lab for local agencies...

When it comes to refractive error, the ability to meet the demand and the infrastructure for the most part is there. It is a matter of what the people who have the ability to do something about it are willing to do to serve that need...Are any wholesale labs willing to produce a number of rx's free a month or at least drastically reduced prices? Are dispensers willing to not make a profit on 3-4 pair a month and either charge cost or do glasses for free? Are docs out there willing to do 1 exam a week at NC for these patients?

Imagine if every office was willing to help 2 people a month... How many people would be served with relatively little effort...

Many third world countries lack the basic resources to even start to address that need. So they need more assistance in terms of education and equipment.

In the US, the refractive error issue could easily be resolved by combating APATHY.


Cassandra

[Jacqui]

Aren't there enough in need in our own countries?

Yes there are a lot in need in the countries that are represented here. We should be taking care of people at home and only those in other countries that we can safely handle. Most people, Americans especially, don't understand the conditions in foreign countries and don't always know the real need there.

[Jacqui]

I must thank Jubilee for mentioning our program. It is run through Community Action and serves school age children only at this time. Fees are set on a sliding scale with the average being about $25 for exam,and new glasses, with low-income paying nothing or very little.

There is more need here in the U.S. Many of the working poor and those on fixed incomes, especially the elderly, do without new glasses because of cost. I also volunteer at a free clinic and see many who are in need of only repairs. How much would it cost to replace a nose pad or temple screw and do a quick readjust so that someone can use their glasses properly?

There are many things that can be done to help, WE JUST NEED TO GET STARTED !!!

[rinselberg]

I wonder what became of Low Cost Eyeglasses, which billed itself as a "for-profit social enterprise to correct refractive error for the one billion people in the developing world" ..?

One of the two founders, Saul Griffith, is credited with (and may hold patents) for an innovative and theoretically low cost way of molding Rx spectacle lenses and for the technology of a theoretically low cost auto-refractor, as described in this archive report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The other founder, Neil Houghton, is known for his studies of the business-related aspects of providing optometric services to the people of underdeveloped nations. In 2001, there was a report in 20/20 Online that I would describe as an assortment of novel ideas under the title Efforts to improve eyewear services in developing countries.


I have no personal acquaintance with Saul Griffith or Neil Houghton, but if it were of interest to the OptiBoard World Vision Project, I would be more than happy to forward specific inquiries to these two persons and their colleagues. I'm pretty sure that I can locate them and their current associates.


Another website that may be of interest: Adaptive Eyecare Ltd.





Saul Griffith with his prototype Rx lens molding technology: The device uses hydraulic pressure to shape a deformable membrane, which becomes the mold surface. This prototype used car window tinting film and a reservoir of mineral oil ... A large range of lens types, covering the majority of prescriptions, could be cast from two such mold surfaces.



rinselberg is the author of OptiBoard's Jurassic Post and Skeletons that won't fit in your closet.

[Dave Nelson]

Thanks Rinselberg. With all due respect to those who try to develop systems to "beat" the high cost of spectacle lenses, they rarely seem to understand the need, and often have no idea what it costs to produce single vision spherical lenses in uncut form. I do recall a newpaper article about an inventor who devised a way to produce "very low cost" eyeglass lenses, and felt it would be a boon to all mankind.( I think it was the guy in your link.) Problem was, his cost was actually higher than existing uncut lenses available today from manufacturers in the far east, and other places. Put another way, low cost IOLs have been developed for about $5 each, but a cataract and implantation procedure is not going to cost $10. A really clever inventor might find a way to develop IOLs for $4 each and think he has saved 20% from the cost of the procedure, not the .00001% he has saved in "real" money. thanks again for the links.:cheers:

[rinselberg]

It wasn't just about any one way (new or otherwise) of making lenses. Anything but ...

The distribution system is a key element in the Low Cost Eyeglasses solution.

The "current system" in the United States and much of the rest of the world relies on highly trained specialists who use sophisticated and expensive equipment to provide choice and fashion to consumers who are not primarily concerned with cost. The result is that in the developing world a pair of glasses can cost more than a month's wages.

By contrast, the proposed Low Cost Available Eyeglasses distribution is elegant in its simplicity, the backers believe. The direct customer would be a micro-entrepreneur who is part of a network of a Micro-Finance Institution (MFI) such as Accion or Grameen Bank. The micro-entrepreneur borrows money from the MFI to pay for a testing kit and eyeglass supplies, and undergoes a one-week training session. The entrepreneur will then be able to sell eyeglasses for less than $5.00 per pair, with a margin of about $1.00 to repay the loan and earn a profit.

As I said, I do not know what became of the Low Cost Eyeglasses project. But my offer still stands. If you find that the OptiBoard World Vision Project leads you to formulate a specific question, as I posted above (two posts back), I would be more than happy to forward any such inquiry. Even if the enterprise itself is no more, the people who were involved may have information or experiences to share that would be of some assistance to you.

That's my theory.




ROW: Rest Of World.

Source: Harvard Business School, 2001: The Eyes Have It ...



Jurassic Post
Two hundred million years distant in time. One mouse click in cyberspace.

[Dave Nelson]

I was in Halifax recently for meetings among optician groups. Coincidently, Halifax was host city to a world conference on micro buisness loans. Representatives from hundreds of countries were in attendence, and I wondered at the time if there was any way to set up an optical business with such a loan, and I am happy to see the idea has been given some consideration. Thanks again for the info, Rinselberg.

[Jacqui]

Dave Nelson:

WAKE UP, UP THERE !!!

Some time ago you were asking about an inexpensive edgeing system that could be used in the Third World, I mentioned Nu-Tec. Well I finally found the information on it.

http://www.nu-tecinc.com/ Check the Mini Lab System.

Should be able, with spare parts (cutters and belts), to start edging for about $5000 BRAND NEW (maybe cheaper in quantities).

:idea: :idea: I could go along with the machines to show people how to use them :D :D

[Dave Nelson]

Thanks Jaquie, sorry I took so long to get back to you. The 3 piece lab package looks pretty good, and the price is really, really low. (just what we needed.)

[35oldguy]

Yes people that live in third world countries like to look modern just like you do...why not try to up their self-esteem!

Read my last post on "where to donate frames." Why shouldn't the frames look attractive? Don't you wear nice frames?

[Wolfj82]

I would consider donating my weco 440, a smart tec ( Which make the 440 work as a patterless machine ) and about 600 frames if we can put something together. Opticianjw@msn.com

[eoptics]

Would you tell me what is the world project?
I am wondering what it is....

Less talk, more walk. The thread on keeping edging costs down in developing countries was pretty good. I learned a few things about the existance of low-cost edging equipment that I didn't know before, since there are people on the optiboard who know far more than I do about laboratory equipment, and the manufacture of spectacles.
Third world eyecare presents a complex set of problems, and a wide cross section of skills and talents are required to present real and lasting solutions. The optiboard is such a pool of talent. optometrists, opticians, lab people, educaters,and people who have vast knowledge of equipment, supplies, business, and socialological issues raised when attempting to bring change to various developing countries.
Why can't we pool our knowlege and resources to design a model, or template, that seeks to deliver refractive services in a sustainable, cost effective manner?
Such a project would involve evaluating educational programs, equipment needs, sourcing materials and supplies, and an analysis of the most cost effective means of delivery of service. Standards and parameters can be set, based on cost, accessability, viabilty, and sustainability.
This proposed template could be adopted, studied and/or reviewed by any one at any time. I propose limiting it to refractive error only, at least for the time being, with allowance to "mesh" with a more comprehensive model involving a higher level of care.
The "mission statement," if you will:
"To develop an efficient, effective and sustainable model for the delivery of service to alleviate refractive error as a cause of the diminishment of the quality of life."
I'm not trying to save the world here, but such a template could be a valuable resource for those seeking to put such a plan into place.
It is also important to remember such plans are theoretical: getting them to work in the real world is another story.
Shall we try this? Anyone interested? help me out here.

[Jubilee]

Many of us here on the board have participated in various vision projects. It was brought to our attention that the World Health Organization's plan for eye health is to create sustainable systems in these developing countries, instead of the traditional recycled eyewear/handout type programs.

The goal is to come up with some low cost/easy to maintain equipment that would allow for them to be able to process lenses locally.


Cassandra

[eoptics]

Thanks for the brief explanation.
Is there any substential project with driving organization?
How can the driving force run the business?
Can you tell me...

[Jubilee]

Right now we are in the investigative and planning stage. A few different plans have been thought of, but do to circumstances and health, we have been slow to really get moving on this.

I have been thinking of a couple of different routes to go.

One would focus on US need first. Jacqui at one point commented that she would love to run a lab where it was nothing but charitable based. (Yeah she has a big heart like that!) The idea would be to take frames that are donated, lenses as well to one centralized location. Using money from grants, donations, and support from the various vision/children based charities, we could make this lab happen.

Many of your clubs such as the Lions and Prevent Blindness, pay discounted rates for "vouchers" for use at either chains, or VSP networks. If we actually could call on companies to donate their frames and lenses, most of the material costs would be covered. No real fancy equipment would be needed to process basic lenses, any money they could use to support a lab, could be used for the actual equipment, maintenance,salary, and additional overhead for running the lab. It is possible that is can be a one person show, with possibly volunteers or optical students assisting in the fabrication.

Since my experience, and the experience of the local groups here has been docs might be willing to provide exams, but none want to pay $$ to actually provide materials. Having a resource for those materials can help increase the number of people served by such programs. Especially in the adult community where there is less resources to begin with.

The other idea was to focus on developing areas instead. Take the materials, some equipment and and some volunteers to set up a clinic in an area. Eventually leave one or two people in place for a year or so to teach locals how to refract, fabricate glasses, perform maintenance/simple repairs, and get the optical industry going. The idea would not be to always provide things for free.. it would be to get a solid business foundation in place so that it can be on-going, create jobs, and improve the overall health of the area. Once again the Lion's Clug would be a great resource for this, and so could organizations on board with the WHO's 2020 plan.

Cassandra

Who wants to have more time to focus on this, but unfortunately in 5 weeks must turn in her report on Heath Care reform and how to implement an "Ideal" health care system in the US.

[Jacqui]

Thank You

One would focus on US need first. Jacqui at one point commented that she would love to run a lab where it was nothing but charitable based. (Yeah she has a big heart like that!)


Cassandra

Who wants to have more time to focus on this, but unfortunately in 5 weeks must turn in her report on Heath Care reform and how to implement an "Ideal" health care system in the US.

[Jubilee]

Its my pleasure. I am truly amazed at all you have done for public health. From vision charities to delivering babies right after Katrina, you are out there doing the things many of us talk about.

I have focused my efforts on a Masters in Public Health because I want to be able to serve my fellow man as well. My goal is combine my passion for both vision and service to combine the efforts of many different vision charities. Pool those resources together and we can increase the efficiency of each of those dollars being spent, and in turn help more people.

I am committed to helping this cause. It would be great to have additional discussion, suggestions, ideas on how to make this happen. I realize not everyone has money, or items to donate. But I know the people on the optiboard have smart heads, creative souls and the big hearts!

Cassandra

[keithbenjamin]

Here is a presentation given by Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of Acumen Fund at TED on Investing in Africa's own solutions.

Acumen Fund is a non-profit venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve problems of global poverty.

"People don't want handouts: They want to make their own decisions, to solve their own problems."

“The only way to end poverty is to build viable systems on the ground that deliver critical and affordable goods and services in ways that are financially sustainable and scaleable.”

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/91

-Keith

[xmattMPHx]

I am committed to helping this cause. It would be great to have additional discussion, suggestions, ideas on how to make this happen. I realize not everyone has money, or items to donate. But I know the people on the optiboard have smart heads, creative souls and the big hearts!

Cassandra

Congratulations on the pursuit of an MPH.

I came across this article in Clinical and Experimental Optometry. I think it speaks to the topic at hand from the perspective of more background. I applaud the effort to put action to words.

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi...8.2007.00193.x

[Jubilee]

Thank you so much for the link. I am sure I will use that as a reference in the course of my education.

What kind of projects is your group currently working on, and is there something we here on the Optiboard can do to help fulfill those goals?

How about here in the US?

Cassandra

[xmattMPHx]

Thank you so much for the link. I am sure I will use that as a reference in the course of my education.

What kind of projects is your group currently working on, and is there something we here on the Optiboard can do to help fulfill those goals?

How about here in the US?

Cassandra

I'm not part of a group. I'm, unfortunately, a lone individual trying to find a way to make a living doing public health eye care. My main interest is in training locals in developing countries to conduct refractive testing and spectacle dispensing.

I finished my MPH a year ago spent some time teaching overseas and now am back in the US trying to figure out what to do next.

Locally it would be wonderful if there was a resource that outlined all the groups working domestically and what they do. I've had opportunity to do everything from GOS locally (vision van) to working with remote area medical teams (who have a portable lab), Lions club, a local free clinic back west and ChildSight (a division of Helen Keller) but all of those things are just things I fell into. Right place, right time. I know there are plenty more out there and I'm not into reinventing the wheel.

The public health eye care community just needs to communicate more.

Continued success to you. I'll let you know if I come across anything to which this community can lend a hand.

[Jubilee]

Communication, I think is a key.

We have so many groups trying to help the world to see. Prevent Blindness, Gift of Sight, Lion's Club, Helen Keller, Optometry Giving Sight, VOSH, Unite for Sight, and many others. Imagine if instead of each one doing its own thing, they united together to each focus on one part of a larger plan...

I am not sure how things went at the meeting in South Africa, but I would hope that this was something that was brought up. It would be so much more efficient both in time and in money if groups worked together, instead of almost competing to solve the world vision crisis.

Part of my plan locally is to get our community organizations communicating better, and making sure that we coordinate our efforts, not duplicate to make the distribution of services more equal and fair.

Cassandra

[Jacqui]

My thoughts are that communication is one of the big issue. We have 3 or 4 local groups all doing the same thing and none of them knows about all the others. We have 2 groups that have identical programs and funding from the same source (???), weird.

P.S. I'm still working on the grant. Also, we need a name for the lab, any one have any ideas??

Communication, I think is a key.

We have so many groups trying to help the world to see. Prevent Blindness, Gift of Sight, Lion's Club, Helen Keller, Optometry Giving Sight, VOSH, Unite for Sight, and many others. Imagine if instead of each one doing its own thing, they united together to each focus on one part of a larger plan...

I am not sure how things went at the meeting in South Africa, but I would hope that this was something that was brought up. It would be so much more efficient both in time and in money if groups worked together, instead of almost competing to solve the world vision crisis.

Part of my plan locally is to get our community organizations communicating better, and making sure that we coordinate our efforts, not duplicate to make the distribution of services more equal and fair.

Cassandra

[Wecoman]

Hi guys I've stumbled on this topic and I think I can give you some info to think about.

1. The WECO 440 is a bulletproof edger, simple and the parts used are common of the shelf parts no exotic components but very simple and reliable technology.Is already very liked and widly used in Africa and many other continents.
2. Very reliably power supply. Ofcourse in the third world countries the voltage supply is not always of a very stable and reliable quality. Most CNC edgers that were standing overthere did not survive longer than six months.
3.Humidity in some countries is very high this also ruins the electronics.
4. Mainly the opticians will be edging mineral glass (price!) So the edger does not need to be very sophisticated.
5. There are many of these edgers in Europe and thay can be easily overhauld and still the most parts still can be bought from the WECO factory.

My company has donated some equipment to a NGO in Africa and still we do send them from time to time some spare-parts and the more simple the device is the more pleasure it gives to the operators. They have a lot of very nice CNC-machinery that was donated but 99% of it is broken. There is no know-how of fixing it. THe more simple the device the easier it is to mantain.

[Eva]

I believe VOSH may be working on the same ideas maybe if we put our heads together on this.