🌅 Glasses Boost Earning Power

Author

Sunrise Stat
July 16, 2025

33% - The increase in monthly income for visually impaired workers in low- and middle-income countries who received a pair of reading glasses.

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SOURCE
WHAT TO KNOW

  • A new study by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast in the U.K. found giving reading glasses to workers with presbyopia (the loss of close-up vision) in Bangladesh boosted their monthly income by around 33% (from $35.30 to $47.10). Owning a pair of glasses also allowed study participants whose eyesight prevented them from working to rejoin the workforce.

WHY IT MATTERS

  • Presbyopia is a common condition that happens to almost all humans as they age—typically starting around age 50—and usually results in the need for reading glasses. The present study builds on research finding the development of presbyopia among workers in poorer areas can lead to reduced income since reading glasses aren’t as readily available.

CONNECT THE DOTS

  • Recent data from the World Health Organization shows vision impairment is a serious global financial burden, costing the world an estimated $411 billion each year in lost productivity. Public investment in eye health is also associated with greater well-being, educational attainment, and workforce and community participation.