The Problem…
670 million people – 10% of the world’s population – live on less than $2.50 per day and cannot afford spectacles. 200 million people need spectacles to see, or low vision aids for conditions such as trachoma and cataracts.
A 21st-century production and distribution process is needed, as donated spectacles do not meet the gold standard of full refractive correction and are merely approximations of a person’s visual prescription. The World Health Organisation recognises that the current method of providing spectacles to people living on less than $2.50 per day, through donations from developed countries, needs to change.
Several charities and NGOs are currently working to increase the number of disadvantaged people with access to prescription glasses. However, the existing process, whereby spectacles are donated by everyday wearers in developed countries, limits these organisations and NGOs.
Often, these organisations dispense a frame from the donated frames that is as ‘near as possible’ to the required prescription. Here, an optician uses a technique called ‘best spherical correction’, meaning that the spherical correction element of the prescription is a close match, rather than a 100% correct prescription.
There is simply not enough adaptability in the donated frames.
In many cases, the person who receives a pair of spectacles will not like the style, shape, colour, or the fact that they are second-hand, resulting in non-use of the donated frame.
…and the Solution.
The Style-Eyes spectacle is completely adaptable to every person globally, regardless of size, ethnicity, sex, and environment.
Following an eye examination, the prescription is established and the optician selects the required lenses from their selection. The Style-Eyes spectacle is then assembled. The unique lug system securely fits the lenses to the frame and allows complete universality for face size, PD, prescription, and nose fit.
The spectacle version for disadvantaged areas can be assembled using a minimum number of tools, eliminating the need for a dedicated glazing facility by using pre-cut 40mm lenses. A second set of pre-cut lenses can include prisms, plano top varifocals, and low vision aids.
The frame designed for the high street accommodates a variety of lens shapes and side trims, tailored to personal requirements, encouraging fashion-focused consumers to engage in the design process.
Where an NGO provides a glazing facility, the disadvantaged customer can choose a lens shape to suit them in the same way as a high street customer.
The company’s ethical business model supports the supply of donated frames: for every pair sold on the high street, one pair is donated to the NGO free of charge.