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The system allowed for the correction of astigmatism and anisometropia with cylindrical powers up to 4D and spherical powers to ±12.00D. The 40mm round eye frames allow for easy accurate axis orientation and were made with three different bridge sizes providing three pupil distance options of 60, 64 and 68mm.
The frames have a small locking pin in the rim at the nasal point that prevents the lenses from rotating and helps to locate them in the frames with the correct axis direction. Twelve hundred 40mm diameter pre-cut and bevelled hard coated CR39 lenses make up the lens bank and easily fit with the frames into a single suitcase, enabling accurate dispensing in virtually any location. A small battery-powered groove cutter has been developed to position the groove for the locking pin at the correct location on the lens.
The demand for the glasses in Mozambique was around 10 per cent of those tested, which certainly made it a worthwhile addition to the spectacle range, and in total 55 pairs were dispensed in five days of testing. With practice the spectacles took around 10 minutes to assemble and the patients enjoyed the attention to detail as they watch them being made up. The frames are available in two colours - bronze and tortoiseshell and gold.
Once the lens and frame bank has been paid for, the ongoing costs are relatively small as it is just a matter of topping up. There are plans to increase the range to include cylindrical powers to 6.00D. The average cost to produce each glazed pair is around £2.80, which is excellent value when considering the enormous improvement in visual acuity for the patient. ?
? For more information on the system contact Ian Squire, chairman of Mission for Vision, on 01932 226789