Recycling Prescription Eye Glasses in Africa
The World Health Organization estimates that
corrective lenses can improve the eyesight of one-fourth of
the world's population. Unfortunately, for many people a pair
of glasses is both unaffordable and unobtainable. The donation
of old but useful eyeglasses to the needy can help solve this
problem.
Exceptionally strong or weak prescriptions are
needed and simple reading glasses are also very useful. Sunglasses
are needed by those with cataracts, to shield their eyes from
the sun's damaging rays.
Optimax collect their laser eye patients' used
prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, and even sunglasses,
and then package and ship them to The Gambia.
The glasses are sorted, seperating broken frames and single
lenses from intact pairs. Used glasses are cleaned, repaired
and classified by prescription, then distributed free of charge.
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Once the prescription of the lenses has been checked
and the spectacles have been cleaned and categorised,
the
prepared glasses are then packaged according to prescription
and stored awaiting distribution.
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Dispensing Optician Training courses are now offered to
anyone working in an optical facility within the sub - region
who needs to adjust and fit spectacle frames and do basic
lensometry tasks on a daily basis. The course is intended
for ophthalmic technicians, optometric assistants and those
seeking such employment and covers
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Anatomy of a frame;
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Bench Alignment, Pantoscopic / Retroscopic Angles;
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Using basic tools: hand tools, frame warmers and measuring
devices;
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Assuring a comfortably fitting frame;
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Common adjustments and troubleshooting: metal and zyl
frames, rimless and semi-rimless mountings;
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Basic lensometry including focusing the eyepiece, single
and multifocal lenses.
Optimax believes that by supporting the development of centres
for eye care staff training, real value can be added to the
distribution of recycled prescription eye glasses in the Third
World.
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