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Uncorrected presbyopia, the gradual loss of near vision that affects virtually everyone over 40, is the leading cause of vision impairment globally. The scale of need is striking:
- 2.2 billion people worldwide have some form of vision impairment
- 1.8 billion people have presbyopia (age 35+)
- Over 800 million lack access to the ready-made, low-cost near-vision glasses that could help them
Reading glasses are not just for reading. They enable farmers, garment workers, tea pickers, and artisans to perform their daily work with direct, measurable impact on income and quality of life. Studies show workers given reading glasses earned 33% more income 1 and saw productivity increase by up to 32%2.
Despite being available over-the-counter at airports, pharmacies, and clothing stores across high-income countries, ready-made reading glasses remain out of reach for most people in LMICs. Regulatory barriers, import duties, and medicalized distribution models keep prices high and access low, even though the solution is simple, cheap, and proven.
If you will be in Geneva during WHA79, on May 19, come learn more about the award and hear directly from leaders in this space: https://luma.com/2intdiqq