11th June 2011
See Better to Learn Better
By Joe Svetlik


This is a great way of providing free eyewear for children, without the style calamity you get from NHS-style specs. The frames come in two parts, and are interchangeable, allowing kids to come up with their own colour schemes and designs, letting them express themselves while removing the stigma that can come with wearing glasses.

The nose pad is also interchangeable and with seven colours, five shapes and three sizes, students are sure to find a style and fit for them. They’re made from Gilamid plastic, which is so flexible it’s practically indestructible, so will easily withstand a few knocks on the football pitch.

The project, a joint scheme between the Mexican government and Augen Optics, provides the glasses for free, as well as a free eye test for students aged between six and 18, administered through schools. So not only does it improve their vision, helping them learn, it also gives them another reason to go to school. The average need of correction is 11% in Mexico, with those needing .75 correction or above as high as 60-70% in some schools. With the need to wear glasses seen as a handicap in some areas, this is a fantastic scheme to help break social stigmas while tackling the problem head on.

The End