We work in rural areas where classrooms are dark because there is no electricity, and the blackboard is often extremely worn, leaving many students struggling to see what they need to study. 

 

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

 

 

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). 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

From his expertise, he can select a frame, add the lens blanks, mark the optical centre and axis of the lens up, decentre the lens so that the optical centre of the lens is sitting right in front of the students pupil, scan the frame, cut the lens to the shape of the frame, put a safety edge on the lens, fit lenses to the  frame, confirm lens strength is ok, adjust the frame to fit referencing the profile and prescription so it only needs minor adjustments when they arrive, and only then its time to give the lenses a clean, then label and pack them ready for delivery. This is not light volunteering!

 

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. This is a common eye condition that causes blurry or distorted vision. 

 

A few children will have photophobia and need shaded glasses because they have a high sensitivity to light. Photo phobia can be painful and can make daily tasks like reading and writing extremely hard.

 

An eye test takes about 15-20 minutes per patient and as we screen a lot of students the days can be long! It also takes around an hour to mark up, cut and fit the lenses, and the most important part – select the frames!

 

We have a minimum prescription to make sure glasses are provided to students that really need them and that it will make a dramatic impact on their lives. 

 

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. 

 

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.