One Dollar Glasses are manufactured on a specially designed bending machine. The frame consists of a light and flexible frame made of very sturdy, rustproof and hypoallergenic spring steel wire (1mm). The frame is handcrafted by a vendor that does not require a power source. Different physiognomy can be considered individually when bending the frame. The oval - polished shatterproof lens is ready to install. A shrink sleeve made of hypoallergenic plastic at the temple end enhances the wearing comfort of the glasses. The glasses are so light that you don't need a nose bridge. Two - tone glass beads give each pair of glasses a unique personal design. One dollar glasses is manufactured on site by locally trained people using a simple and innovative bending machine. It does not require electricity, is durable and is almost maintenance free. This sustainable production is the core concept of one dollar glasses.
In addition, One dollar glasses developed a unique one year training curriculum for best spherical correction called “Good Vision Technician”. We are training local people to become optical technicians so that they can dispenses the right glasses to the right people. They also are able to detect other possible reasons for visual impairment( e.g. cataract) and refer patients to eye doctors for diagnosis and treatment.
According to WHO figures, about 950 million people worldwide suffer from refractive error, which can be treated with simple visual aids. Many of these people live on so small budgets that they can't buy traditional eyeglasses. This has serious consequences for them: their poor eyesight prevents them for working or completing apprenticeships. The global annual cost of productivity loss associated with uncorrected myopia and presbyopia-only visual impairment is estimated at approximately US $ 270 billion annually.
Due to its low manufacturing cost, these glasses are affordable for the very poor. Refractive error correction, for example, is an important prerequisite for being able to pursue paid employment. The attractive design also contributes to people who wear glasses in public. Often the first pair of glasses in the village. Producers are trained by experienced teachers and supported by a multilevel yet viable quality management system. Glasses can be made at home, so women in particular can work and care for their children at the same time.
The goal of One dollar glasses is to provide basic eye care to at least 150 million people worldwide. They are expanding to South Africa and Asia and aim to building a lasting and sustainable regional organization in areas where they can make the most of their resources and have the greatest impact on society.
