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The Need For Optical Labs About four years ago, those of us involved in the use of recycled glasses noticed an increase in the difficulty of obtaining enough quality recycled glasses, both single vision and flat top bifocals. After discussion with local recyclers and optical labs we determined the problem began with the increase in prescriptions for progressive lenses. Currently only a small percentage of lenses used are single vision (10%) and even fewer flat top bifocals are cut. The progressive lenses are not suitable for a population untrained to wear glasses and are most difficult to fit and explain their use to the patients. The amount of usable glasses donated to Lions Clubs dropped and we found ourselves using two pairs instead of bifocals and bringing more and more back to the U.S. to have them fabricated at increased cost. We developed a program in Lima, Peru with Severo Sanchez and the RiMac Rotary in conjunction with Severo’s school of optometry. On a mission, the patients were permitted to select a pair of frames which were wrapped in the prescription along with measurements and set back to the school where students edged and mounted lenses in the frames. The glasses were shipped back to the sponsoring club, they get them to the patients. The frames and most of the lenses were donated by VOSH-Florida and Rotary Clubs in the U.S. 5,000 pairs of lenses from China were recently donated by the Belleview Rotary Club and 18,200 frames were donated by VOSH-Florida. They were shipped using a grant by Deland Breakfast Rotary. A fee of $2.20 is collected from each patient if they can afford it. $1.60 pays for the labor to mount them and the $.60 goes to the club to pay for cataract surgery and other healthcare projects. The state performs the surgery, but the IOL must be paid for. VOSH-Florida and VOSH-SOS (The Peru Chapter) ran a mission in Ville El Salvador in June of 2005 and saw 1477 patients, provided 1009 pairs of glasses. All glasses were delivered within two weeks. All the lab equipment was donated by VOSH-Florida. The proposed lab for Nicaragua will be different in many respects. There is no school of optometry at present and contracting with an existing lab is too expensive. At least $7.50 per pair if we provide the frames and lenses. I would like to establish 3-4 lanes of edging and mounting equipment at the home of Sergio Romero, our friend and employee, in Esteli. Sergio would require training and could train others to operate the equipment as part time employees when there was a demand for glasses. It has been suggested we arrange for local training or send him to Peru to be trained in Severo’s school. There are about 20-22 missions to Nicaragua for eyecare each year and a stock of lenses would run $5-6,000.00. We would provide the hand stones, frames, lenses and some expendables, but will need an additional $2,800.00 for additional supplies. I imagine it will need need financial support on an ongoing basis, but may attract local business if frames and lenses are in stock at all times. There are small tools and small machines that will be needed to get started. I don’t hold myself out as an expert, but I do have a number of veteran lens grinders that help me with technical questions. Beyond that you would have to question me to get more info. Please feel free to ask questions and I will be happy to answer to the best of my ability. Max
R. Bruss
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