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Research into the extent and economic impact of uncorrected vision
Start Date: 01/01/2001
End Date: 01/08/2001
R Number: FT-04
DFID Programme: Disability and Healthcare
Funding Department: Central Research Department
Related Documents: View Related Documents
Managing Institute: Adaptive Eyecare Limited
Lead Institute: Adaptive Eyecare Limited
Contact Names: Mr Michael Wills
Regions: Africa, Asia, Southern Asia, Western Africa
Countries: Ghana, India
Background:
Research designed to generate robust data on the extent and economic and social impact of uncorrected vision through (i) a study of the extent and effects of uncorrected vision on participation and "drop-out" rates in adult literacy classes in Ghana; and (ii) a study of the extent and impact of uncorrected vision on textile factory workers in IndiaProgress and Impact:
The research identified an extremely high incidence of uncorrected vision in both studies. 74% of the literacy learners needed vision correction rising to 92% amongst learners who had dropped-out. These figures exceeded the estimate of international literacy agencies that on average around 50% of learners need vision correction. 79% of the textile workers needed vision correction, mostly (75.2%) near vision correction for close work. The impact of uncorrected vision on productivity, employment and daily life requires further study.A factsheet is available at http://www.kar-dht.org/pdf/d1.pdf
Project Conclusions:
The impact of vision deficiency has proven to be both an impediment to learning and a factor limiting workers' productivity. Informal qualitative research among textile workers after they were given spectacles suggests they were judged to impact favourably on quality of life. The factory management denied that uncorrected vision had ever led to unemployment although there is much anecdotal evidence that this is the case albeit not at the factory in this study.Total Cost to DFID:
£84,775