The OneDollarGlasses
According to a 2019 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 950 million people need glasses but cannot afford them or do not have access to optical care. The consequences: Children are unable to follow lessons at school. Adults are unable to take on any or any qualified work in order to provide for their families.
We want to change that.
To solve the global problem of untreated defective vision, Martin Aufmuth and his team have developed the OneDollarGlasses system.
The OneDollarGlasses are produced on a simple bending machine. This requires no electricity and can therefore also be used in structurally weak rural regions without any problems.
The OneDollarGlasses consist of a lightweight but extremely stable spring steel frame and pre-cut lenses made of shatterproof plastic, which are inserted into the frame in the appropriate strength.
The material costs for a pair of glasses are around one US dollar, while the retail price is two to three local daily wages.
The OneDollarGlasses are produced on a simple bending machine. This requires no electricity and can therefore also be used in structurally weak rural regions without any problems.
The OneDollarGlasses consist of a lightweight but extremely stable spring steel frame and pre-cut lenses made of shatterproof plastic, which are inserted into the frame in the appropriate strength.
The material costs for a pair of glasses are around one US dollar, while the retail price is two to three local daily wages.
The OneDollarGlasses are produced on a simple bending machine. This requires no electricity and can therefore also be used in structurally weak rural regions without any problems.
The OneDollarGlasses consist of a lightweight but extremely stable spring steel frame and pre-cut lenses made of shatterproof plastic, which are inserted into the frame in the appropriate strength.
The material costs for a pair of glasses are around one US dollar, while the retail price is two to three local daily wages.
Training concept for ophthalmic opticians
As many countries in the Global South lack qualified opticians, EinDollarBrille association has developed a one-year training concept together with ophthalmologists and opticians. After completing the course, the qualified GoodVision Technicians (GVTs) are able to reliably determine the best possible spherical lens during an eye test and fit the glasses professionally.
Job creation and economic development
GoodVision trains skilled workers in the program countries to manufacture and sell OneDollarGlasses. This also creates new jobs with prospects in regions with a poorly developed labor market.
Integration of disadvantaged groups
In our program countries, we actively offer jobs to people who need special support due to physical limitations or who are disadvantaged due to their gender. Equal pay for equal work is a matter of course. In our project in Burkina Faso, for example, we employ the first blind person to work successfully in glasses production.
Aisha from Burkina Faso has polio and has been part of the GoodVision (Burkina Faso) team for many years. If support is needed at an eye camp, she is happy to step in and take care of the registration of patients and is responsible for the anamnesis and final quality control.
With her salary, Aisha had a motorcycle converted into a tricycle, making her as mobile as any other team member.
Raising awareness and education
Through free eye tests, educational work in schools and communities and the development of relationships with health institutions and NGOs, EinDollarBrille association creates a growing awareness of the importance of good eyesight and the impact of glasses.
The aim of GoodVision is to provide basic optical care for all people worldwide.