Glasses for Classes

Since Glasses for Classes was established in 2019 we’ve provided over 38,145 free eye tests and delivered almost 5,000 pairs of glasses. 

Glasses for Classes was set up after we were told children were leaving school early because they couldn’t see properly.  Unable to see what they needed to study children were falling behind, failing exams and leaving school with little hope of employment.  It’s a surprisingly easy route into poverty.

The Classrooms

Many of the schools we visit have little or no electricity so classrooms can be dark with worn blackboards, crowded classes and textbooks that need to be shared putting eyes under immense strain. Some students will struggle with distance, and others will struggle with near vision.  

Eye Tests

The first stage for us is inviting students who are struggling to see properly to take a basic eye test. this involves using  eye charts at two different distances so we can find out whether they are short sighted (myopia) or long sighted (hyperopia).  

Some students will struggle with distance, and others will struggle with near vision. 

 

 

The next step is an examination using the autorefractor (AR) which determines the strength of the lenses that should be used in the trial frames.  This is often the first time many will be able to experience seeing clearly.  Once the lenses are chosen, the rest of the measurements of the student are taken so that the pair of glasses can be made up.   An eye test takes about 15-20 minutes per patient and as we screen a lot of students the days can be long!

Will, a retired optician, makes up the glasses for free – including providing the lens blanks. Will very kindly donates 200 hours of his time a year to make up the glasses, using frames that are donated to him from opticians.   By looking at the prescription and the image of the student wearing the trial glasses, Will can make the glasses. 

Eye conditions

About 60% of the children we help are long sighted (+ prescription) and are 30% short sighted (- prescription), and around 10% have astigmatism where they have an irregular shaped cornea or lens – a common eye condition that causes blurry or distorted vision.  A few children will need special shaded glasses for photophobia – a painful condition making reading and writing extremely hard. 

We have a minimum prescription to make sure glasses are provided to students that really need them.  Our eye tests have discovered not just whether children are short or long sighted, but have also diagnosed glaucoma and trachoma, and we’ve been able to organise subsequent treatment.  

Our Glasses for Classes students have big ambitions – they want to be teachers, doctors, engineers and accountants. A pair of glasses means they’ll be able to see what they’re studying, pass their exams and fulfill those ambitions! 

The Cost Of Glasses

All in, our glasses cost between £20- £25 per pair to make. When you consider the life-long impact it makes on a childs education and future, as well as their family and community… this could be the best £25 you ever spend. Click the button below to donate now to our Universal Fund.