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Visual Health of Children and Seniors: A Project to Address Structural Issues in Rural and Peripheral Areas:
A significant percentage of children and older adults suffer from visual health issues due to structural problems such as economic and educational barriers, as well as limited accessibility, particularly in rural and peripheral areas with high population densities. To address this, the Rotary Club of Tunja Hunza has taken on a project aimed at providing glasses made from flexible, lightweight steel frames and pre-fabricated polymer lenses, with individual prescriptions ranging from -10 to +8. The project specifically targets farmers and residents of municipalities categorized as 4, 5, and 6-areas that lack adequate visual health care services.
The goal is to provide free glasses and lenses to individuals under 18 and over 60 years of age from municipalities in categories 4, 5, and 6 in the department of Boyacá. This initiative will improve their visual health, supported by a vision screening process carried out by specialized personnel, a mobile optometry unit, and state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose the most common visual health issues.
This is the second phase of the "Instant Glasses" project, which will last for three years. The estimated minimum number of glasses to be distributed annually is 7,200, and at least 10,000 people will undergo vision screenings each year. Additionally, the project will include a three-year training program for optical assistants, with the goal of creating 12 local jobs for youth with limited access to higher education.
Sustainability: The project will become self-sustaining through the sale of glasses to individuals aged 18 to 60, which will include the vision screening for a social price of approximately COP 60,000 (about USD 15) per unit. This revenue will cover material costs and significantly improve the quality of life for the participants. The project's feasibility and sustainability are based on three fundamental pillars: 1) a specialized team, 2) a mobile unit equipped with the latest technology, and 3) quick examinations and timely delivery of glasses. This will benefit the most vulnerable communities, especially children, who will be able to attend school more effectively, while their parents can return to work and become more productive both socially and economically.
The Role of the Local Community in the Implementation and Continuity of the Project: The project has been socialized with community leaders, emphasizing that the "Instant Glasses" initiative is a key driver of economic development through job creation, training, and improved visual health, which will contribute to better educational, social, and economic productivity.
A socialization session was held with experts in community health projects, and meetings were organized with social and community leaders to discuss the project and gain their involvement. Surveys were also conducted within the educational community to assess the visual needs of local schools, revealing that nearly 60% of the student population in the region faces visual deficiencies.
Project Budget:
Concept Value in Pesos (COP) Value in Dollars (USD)
Project Cost COP 538,200,000 USD 130,000
Local Rotary Club Contribution COP 8,280,000 USD 2,000
District 4271 or 4281 Contribution COP 8,280,000 USD 2,000
International Rotary Club Contribution COP 0 USD 0
International District Contribution COP 0 USD 0
Rotary Foundation Contribution COP 0 USD 0
Pending Financing COP 521,640,000 USD 126,000
Exchange rate: Rotary Dollar = 4,140 COP
Rotary members will be actively involved in planning the work sessions, coordinating with health authorities, and overseeing the supervision and control of all project activities to ensure its successful execution.
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