A technology start-up and an NGO have joined hands to tap an innovative technology designed by Mercedes Benz to help correct impairment of the eye, especially in rural areas.

A pilot project is being launched in India to test the innovative low-end prescription eye-glasses, which could make a difference in vision-care delivery. Over a a billion people, mostly in the developing countries, including millions in India need this kind of an intervention.

India Vision Institute (IVI), the non-governmental organisation, and DOT Glasses, a Czech start-up, are implementing the project. “The DOT Glasses vision kit is a patented, snap-together, adjustable frame designed by MBtech, the result of a collaboration between Mercedez Benz and AKKA Technologies, which brings a fresh and functional approach to our product,” said Philip Staehelin, CEO and founder.

IVI has been collaborating with several eye hospitals and NGOs in India to screen and provide low-cost eye glasses in the country since 2012. “The project can reach vision impairment support, especially among inaccessible rural communities”, said Vinod Daniel, CEO.

‘Transformational concept’

India is among the ten countries most affected by the problem of vision impairment. Several attempts have been made to eliminate the problem with limited success so far.

The start-up aims at large-scale production of its patented, one-size-fits-all eyeglass frames. These frames, together with a “transformational lens concept” and proprietary vision testing tools, can revolutionise access to eye glasses in the remotest corners of the world, he said.

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