How can the effectiveness of glasses be measured objectively?
From diopters to quality of life
Vision is of central importance to humans. We take in around 80 percent of all sensory impressions through our eyes. Seeing the world clearly therefore means a high quality of life. But how can the success of ophthalmic and optical efforts to improve this quality of life be measured?
GoodVision International (GVI) has developed a new approach to this: the Vision Adjusted Life Years (VALY).
The VALY method makes it possible to express the benefits of ophthalmic and optical measures in an objective number.
The VALY is calculated by multiplying the reduction in the degree of visual impairment by the duration of the improvement in vision.
For example, the correction of a visual impairment of –1.0 diopter has a lower VALY value than the correction of a visual impairment of –6.0 diopters (for a person of the same age). The value is even higher with cataract surgery, which averts the risk of blindness and ensures good vision in the long term.
René von Künßberg, who developed the VALY indicator together with Martin Aufmuth and Dr. Bruna Gil, emphasizes the importance of this progress:
"For example, if we recognize a high VALY potential in a patient but she lacks the financial means to buy glasses, we can make a huge difference by donating glasses."
With VALY, we can provide more targeted help.
René von Künßberg, Head of Optics and Production, EinDollarBrille
The method is more than a formula,it is a tool for optimizing development cooperation. In future, GVI will use the VALY indicator to further improve its own strategies.
The goal: to achieve the greatest possible impact with limited resources and help as many people as possible around the world to see well.
