Affordable Eyewear Bringing spectacles to remote communities
“Aboriginal health is not just the physical well being of an individual but is the social, emotional and cultural well being of the whole community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being within their community� - NACCO
Mind map Background The major eye conditions of indigenous people The current eye care program Approach The main concept of Inclusive design The potential method to improving access to eye health services for indigenous people Further details about Eyewear Methodology Conclusion Major project plan Reflection Photo credits Reference
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Mind map
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Background There is an alarming disparity between the health
may have limited opportunities for efficient diagnosis,
and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians and other
management and treatment (Taylor, V, Ewald, D,
Australians. In many Indigenous communities across
Liddle, H, Warchivker, I 2003). Difficulties in accessing
Australia, levels of poverty are comparable to those
facilities and services may be due to factors such as
in some developing countries. The life expectancy of
economic disadvantage, lack of culturally appropriate
Indigenous Australians 17 years is less than that of all
services, lack of transport and geographical location.
Australians. In some parts of the country, between 65
For indigenous people, patterns of common vision
and 75 percent of Indigenous people die before the
problems in the Indigenous population appear to be
age of 65. The mortality rate of Australia’s Indigenous
similar to those in the general Australian population
infants is comparable to those of some developing
(2003). However, blindness occurred up to 10 times
countries (The Fred Hollows Foundation 2009).
more frequently in the Indigenous population than the
Indigenous Australians have fewer opportunities to
non-Indigenous (Taylor ,HR 1997).
maintain and improve their health and life situation than
Further info Eyewear is important in everyday products. It helps people to correct their vision and protect people from the UV. Eyewear embraces various factors of philosophy, optometry and people’s lifestyle so it has become a significant design business. According to The World Health Association, there are currently 3.04 billion people who need prescription glasses to see clearly including far-sighted, near-sighted and presbyopia. However, 81% people of the world living in the remote and rural areas can barely
non-Indigenous Australians. They do not have the same
meet their own basic need. It is hard for them to
access to employment, housing, medical services and
have proper eye care services and even afford
education, nor are they equally engaged in our social and
eyewear products.
political systems. Indigenous people who live in remote and isolated areas suffer the greatest disadvantage (2009) especially their serious vision problem. Presently, Indigenous people are at higher risk than non-Indigenous people for some eye conditions, and
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the world population: 6.77billion
46%
currently 3.04 billion people who need prescription glasses
Indigenous population There were almost 517,200 Indigenous people living in
Indigenous population in each State and Territory see the
The Indigenous population is much younger overall
Australia in 2006 (around 463,900 Aboriginal people,
table below.
than the non-Indigenous population. According to the 2006 Australian census, about 37 out of 100 Indigenous
33,100 Torres Strait Islanders, and 20,200 people of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent).
Almost 32 out of 100 Indigenous people live in major
people were aged less than 15 years, compared with
Indigenous people comprise 2.5% of the total Australian
cities, 21 out of 100 in inner regional areas, 22 out of
19 out of 100 non-Indigenous people. About three out
population. NSW has the largest number of Indigenous
100 in outer regional areas, 10 out of 100 in remote
of 100 Indigenous people were aged 65 years or over,
people. The NT has the highest percentage of Indigenous
areas, and 16 out of 100 in very remote areas.
compared with 13 out of 100 non-Indigenous people. A
people among its population. For more details on the
comparison of the of the age profiles of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations is provided in the
Estimated Indigenous population, Australia, by State and Territory, 30 June 2006
following figure.
According to the 2001 NHS, the main population of Indigenous people who need glasses for hyperopia were 23% of the whole Indigenous people population
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The major eye conditions of indigenous people The major eye conditions of Indigenous eye include refractive error, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, trachoma and trauma. However, there are 90 percent of eye disease are preventable and some of eye conditions can be improved by wearing glasses which including diabetic retinopathy, refractive error, and cataract (Australian Indigenous Health Infontnet 2009).
Cataract
Cataract is opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye,
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes
which can prevent light from reaching the retina at
and involves damage to small blood vessels in the retina.
the back of the eye. There are three main cataract
Since DR can affect vision and may cause blindness.
conditions, each with its own pathology and occurring
Blindness from DR can be prevented by regular
in different areas of the lens: cortical cataract, nuclear
screening to detect early stages and, if needed, retinal
cataract and posterior subcapsular cataract (American
laser treatment. Severe blurring may occur after eye
Academy of Ophthalmology 1997). At an early stage
surgeries (the macula is the most sensitive portion of the
cataract may only slightly reduce vision, but, over
retina) (Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
time, a mature cataract can cause blindness. The risk of
Health 2001). Spectacles are necessary for patients in
cataract increases as people grow older. Apart from age,
recovering processes.
risk factors include: cigarette smoking, UV exposure and ionizing radiation. It is detected by an eye examination and corrected by replacing the lens with an artificial lens. The quality of vision restoring after surgery is usually excellent, although bifocal glasses are usually needed.
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Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
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Refractive error Refractive error which includes longsighted vision (hyperopia or hypermetropia), shortsighted vision (myopia or near-sightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia (vision defects due to advancing age). Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long and light rays focus in front of the retina (the innermost layer of the eye, which contains the receptors for vision - the rods and cones) making distant images look blurred. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short and light rays focus behind the retina making near images look blurred. Presbyopia is usually noticed over the age of 40 years when the lens loses its flexibility and is less able to change shape, leading to a loss of ability to see close objects. Astigmatism is often associated with longsighted and shortsighted vision and is a focusing error causing asymmetric blur (Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2001). Spectacles can be used for correction of refractive error. Anisometropia (unequal refractive error) may lead to amblyopia (permanent uniocular reduction of vision because of poor development of ocular-brain neural apparatus). It is usually happen on young indigenous children (Taylor, V, Ewald, D, Liddle, H, Warchivker, I 2003).
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The current eye care program Method 1 Subsidized spectacle schemes
Problem statements 1
There were state and territory schemes providing low
because of the Barriers between the government and the
cost spectacles to indigenous people (to which many
Aboriginals. Some factors of this are due to the scale of
been providing low cost readymade spectacles
Indigenous people are eligible) (Taylor, V, Ewald, D,
the land especially in the remote areas, which distance
through urban discount stores or local clinics. Many
Liddle, H, Warchivker, I 2003). Recently, Australian
each other to communicate and working together.
people in many regions use self-selected ready-made
government have improved and modified the schemes.
Therefore, the Aboriginal who uses these schemes
spectacles bought through urban discount stores.
Now all states and the Northern Territory have separate
are unable to comment on areas of improvements.
Ready-made spectacles of +1, +1.5, +2, +2.5 and +3
subsidized spectacle schemes. People eligible for the
In all states and the Northern Territory, many clients
diopters are displayed on robust stands for people
subsidy have to demonstrate their residency in that state
commented about the high cost of spectacles and the
to try them on before purchasing them for about
and be qualified for a health care card. They can pick up
lack of choice of frame.
$10(1997).
their glasses from local clinics after they have done the
Even with the subsidized glasses scheme, spectacles
eye test.
are still expensive, or because the type and quality of
Problem statement 2
The results of the schemes demonstrated as poor
the frames provided under the scheme are inappropriate
A comparison of the schemes for standard frames as follows: • Western Australia has a $50 rebate. • Queensland provides free spectacles. • NSW provides free spectacles. • Victoria has a cost of $26 for frames with single vision lenses. • Northern Territory provides a subsidy of $41.95 on frames with single vision lenses. • South Australia has a cost of $41.10 for frames with single vision lenses 0
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for the wearer’s living environment. For example, the standard plastic frames are cheaper to repair and are more robust compared to wire frames; however, the wire frames are considered (by community and optometrist alike) more suited to hotter climates (Taylor ,HR 1997). However, the biggest issue of subsidized spectacles scheme is, indigenous people still have to go to local clinics which lack of ophthalmology and optometry services and take long time to wait for testing. Also, most of the time, they lack of the information about this scheme because the majority of them living in remote areas which usually are far away from the clinics.
Method 2 Readymade spectacles
Recently, there are several eye care programs have
Even though readymade spectacles have been proved to be popular, even after improved access to subsidized prescription spectacles has been organized. There are still some issues of readymade spectacles. The storage area should be enough to prevent spectacles crashed and it is also hard to determine the number of spectacles should be dispensed to each stores. Also, the other big issue of the readymade reading glasses is that both side of lens are same degree which people cannot change when they have different degrees with two sides of eye.
To sum up, the main issues of the current methods to help indigenous people to access spectacles include access to and utilization of testing, cost, the administrative difficulty of dispensing, the repair and storage of spectacles Method 1 Subsidized spectacle schemes
Australian government
Long distance
People eligible for the subsidy have to demonstrate their residency in that state and be eligible for a health care
communities
local clinic
All states and the Northern Territory have separate subsidized spectacle schemes
Problem statements 1 1. Hard to find info about the of eligible Aboriginal people 2. The lack of choice of frames 3. Still expensive 4. The type and quality of the frames provided are inappropriate for their living environment 5. Lack of the info for indigenous people living in remote areas
Problem statement 2 urban discount store
Long distance
Method 2 Readymade spectacles
low cost readymade spectacles provided through urban discount stores or local clinics
1. The repair and storage issues 2. Both side of lens are same power
suppliers
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Table for Subsidized spectacle schemes 1
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S u b s id is e d s p e c t a c le s c h e m e s in A u s t r a lia
State
Eligibility
Que e ns land
Re quire me nts
What doe s the s pe ctacle s s che me cove r?
Othe r be ne fits
Data on Indige nous us age
Mus t have a he alth care Mus t e nrol in s che me with Spe ctacle s are fre e in a card and be re s ide nt for proof of re s ide ncy. Local s tandard frame s and le ns . at le as t 6 months . arrange me nts are als o made with local optome tris ts s o that the y ca n facilitate the ir clie nts ’ acce s s to the s che me .
Eligible pe rs ons re ce ive one pair of s pe ctacle s in a two ye ar pe riod if the re has be e n a change in pre s cription, or whe n the frame s are broke n or los t.
The s che me has not be e n re vie we d and the re is no information on its uptake by Aboriginal pe ople .
Ne w South Wale s
Pe ople fill in a cons ume r-frie ndly application.
The s pe ctacle s che me offe rs a s e le ction of ove r 30 frame s , including me tal frame s . No fe e is charge d for the m. Provis ion of s pe ctacle s to Aboriginal pe ople has be e n prioritis e d.
Pe ople are e ntitle d to one pair of bifocals , or one pair of dis tance and one pair of re ade rs . If glas s e s are broke n or the re is ne w pre s criptions , the y will be re place d.
Have s e e n 8,000+ and have pre s cribe d and s upplie d to 5,000+ s ince s tarting this s e rvice .
Victoria
Mus t have a he alth Mus t apply for s ubs idy care card and apply to the Victorian Colle ge for the s ubs idy. The re is of Optome try. a waiting pe riod. Thos e applying ne e d to have domicile s tability for the pe riod of time the ir application is be ing cons ide re d. The y are contacte d at the ir home addre s s whe n a de cis ion on the ir e ligibility is made . This may take s ome time afte r the application is s e nt.
Pe ns ione rs pay $26 for s ing le vis ion s tandard frame s .
Eligible pe rs ons re ce ive one pair of s pe ctacle s in a two ye ar pe riod or if the re has be e n a change in pre s cription.
The s che me has not be e n re vie we d and the re is no information on its uptake by Aboriginal pe ople .
The s e rvice is comple te ly fre e —at no cos t.
Review of the Implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Program
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Ta b le 7 . 1:
Ta b le 7 . 1:
S u b s id is e d s p e c t a c le s c h e m e s in A u s t r a lia
State
Eligibility
Que e ns land
Re quire me nts
What doe s the s pe ctacle s s che me cove r?
Othe r be ne fits
Data on Indige nous us age
Mus t have a he alth care Mus t e nrol in s che me with Spe ctacle s are fre e in a card and be re s ide nt for proof of re s ide ncy. Local s tandard frame s and le ns . at le as t 6 months . arrange me nts are als o made with local optome tris ts s o that the y ca n facilitate the ir clie nts ’ acce s s to the s che me .
Eligible pe rs ons re ce ive one pair of s pe ctacle s in a two ye ar pe riod if the re has be e n a change in pre s cription, or whe n the frame s are broke n or los t.
The s che me has not be e n re vie we d and the re is no information on its uptake by Aboriginal pe ople .
Ne w South Wale s
Pe ople fill in a cons ume r-frie ndly application.
The s pe ctacle s che me offe rs a s e le ction of ove r 30 frame s , including me tal frame s . No fe e is charge d for the m. Provis ion of s pe ctacle s to Aboriginal pe ople has be e n prioritis e d.
Pe ople are e ntitle d to one pair of bifocals , or one pair of dis tance and one pair of re ade rs . If glas s e s are broke n or the re is ne w pre s criptions , the y will be re place d.
Have s e e n 8,000+ and have pre s cribe d and s upplie d to 5,000+ s ince s tarting this s e rvice .
Victoria
Mus t have a he alth Mus t apply for s ubs idy care card and apply to the Victorian Colle ge for the s ubs idy. The re is of Optome try. a waiting pe riod. Thos e applying ne e d to have domicile s tability for the pe riod of time the ir application is be ing cons ide re d. The y are contacte d at the ir home addre s s whe n a de cis ion on the ir e ligibility is made . This may take s ome time afte r the application is s e nt.
Pe ns ione rs pay $26 for s ing le vis ion s tandard frame s .
Eligible pe rs ons re ce ive one pair of s pe ctacle s in a two ye ar pe riod or if the re has be e n a change in pre s cription.
The s che me has not be e n re vie we d and the re is no information on its uptake by Aboriginal pe ople .
The s e rvice is comple te ly fre e —at no cos t.
Review of the Implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Program
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Table for Subsidized spectacle schemes 2
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Approach
The main concept of Inclusive design
The aim of this project is to apply the concepts of
There are number of definitions of inclusive design have
cultural, gender, and environmental concerns in their
inclusive design to eyewear products for indigenous
been given. The most well-known one has been provided
design process.
Australians, and improving their vision quality, and a
by Ron Mace from The Center of University which is
Therefore, inclusive design should be a method in this
better standard of life. The new scheme will enhance the
included seven principles: equitable use, flexibility in
project which can approach the gap among indigenous
eye care service for the indigenous people and provide
use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information,
people, non indigenous people and the products
them with a better quality eyewear product, which
tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and
will be designed by the consideration of their needs,
space for approach and use (John. B, Roger. C, 2005).
materials, eyewear structures, culture, social contexts
He indicates the main point which is designers should
and capability levels.
always deliberate the usability of products and add in other considerations such as economic, engineering,
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The potential method to improving access to eye health services for indigenous people Bringing reading glasses to remote communities The initial idea is delivering reading glasses to remotes community stores. Indigenous people can have a simple test as a guide in the stores to determine if they can use reading glasses and if so, what degrees they can use. Different
The important role of community stores
degrees of lens will be provided separately from frames in community stores. People can select right degrees of lens to
It is estimated that Aboriginal people in remote
fit into the frames which they have chosen. The store staff will be trained to help the people to select the right spec-
communities purchase 90–95 per cent of their
tacles and their needs.
energy intake33 from the community store. At least
Therefore, indigenous people can access spectacles easily and quicker in the place they feel familiar with.
70 percent of the total Aboriginal income goes into
Frames and lenses can be delivered from closer suppliers or made in community stores which the materials and tools
stores. Stores are also the source of variety goods
can be provided from the supplier through medical groups.
for Aboriginal people in remote areas, including items essential for healthy living like shampoo, soap, bath plugs, blankets, brooms and cooking utensils Aboriginal community stores have a different role to retail services in other parts of Australia. Community stores can serve a focal community development function such as serving an educational role in health promotion and even as a bank or credit agency.
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closer distance communities
Community store
closer distance
Community store staff has training about eyewear
They can help indigenous people to have simple eye test & select their reading glasses
closer distance
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+1 +2 +3
-1 -2 -3
Different powers of lens will be provide separately from frames People can select right degrees of lens to fit into the frames they have chosen
Indigenous people can access spectacles and get the information easily and quicker in the place they feel comfortable
By considering the concepts of Inculsive design, their needs and the main current issues, the eyewear for indigenous people will focus on materials, structures and the following elements:
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Near East
Make eyewear affordable
Italy
Africa
Vietnam
Angio-Saxon
Most of indigenous people have finial difficulty. The
China
spectacles in the community stores should be low cost so they can afford it. Even they can purchase different parts of eyewear for repairing to reduce the cost.
Near East
Easy for delivering
All materials, tools and products should be easy for delivering from suppliers to those remote areas by
Italy
considering the volumes and weights.
Ethic differences and design for specific physiologies
Africa
Everyone has different face features and shapes. There are certain angles and lines of face and distances from ear to nose. People usually have unsymmetrical features.
Vietnam
It means that people normally have different heights of the ears and eyes. A better suitable size and proportions of eyewear for indigenous people can provide a good vision and comfort to them whenever they are standing or sitting.
Angio-Saxon
China
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Different face shapes Round A round face has curvilinear lines with the width and
the narrow upper third of the face, try frames that are
length in the same proportions and no angles. To make
heavily accented with color and detailing on the top half
the face appear thinner and longer, try angular narrow
or cat-eye shapes.
eyeglass frames to lengthen the face, a clear bridge that widens the eyes and frames that are wider than they are
Triangle
deep, such as a rectangular shape.
This face has a very wide top third and small bottom
Oval
frames that are wider at the bottom, very light colors and
The oval face is considered to be the ideal shape
materials, and rimless frame styles (which have a light,
because of its balanced proportions. To keep the oval’s
airy effect because the lenses are simply held in place to
natural balance, look for eyeglass frames that are as
the temples by a few screws).
third. To minimize the width of the top of the face, try
Usability
Too many complicated spectacle spare parts and accessories are hard to assemble especially the connection between lens and frames. Therefore, in order to help the staffs of community stores communicate with indigenous people easier, the products should have a clear instruction for operation. It also should be easy to adjust be balanced and flexible. The design should be able to correct the tilt of temples and nose bridges quickly to provide comfort frames for people.
Diamond
Safety
narrow.
Diamond-shaped faces are narrow at the eye line and
situations for making people’s vision get worst such
Oblong
This is the rarest face shape. To highlight the eyes and
The oblong face is longer than it is wide and has a long
bring out the cheekbones, try frames that have detailing
straight cheek line and sometimes a longish nose. To
or distinctive brow lines, or try rimless frames or oval
make the face appear shorter and more balanced, try
and cat-eye shapes.
wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face, or walnut-shaped frames that are not too deep or too
frames that have a top-to-bottom depth, decorative or contrasting temples that add width to the face or a low bridge to shorten the nose. Base-Down Triangle The triangular face has a narrow forehead that widens at the cheek and chin areas. To add width and emphasize
jawline, and cheekbones are often high and dramatic.
Square A square face has a strong jaw line and a broad forehead,
Eyewear should have a stronger structure to avoid those as broken easily and unstable components which hurt people by giving a long-term pressure or other physical problems to eyes and nose bridges. Also, materials have to last longer, and stand UV exposure or the big range of climate change. It should be able to prevent losing coating which can cause allergies and environmental friendly to reduce chemical damage to people.
plus the width and length are in the same proportions. To make the square face look longer and soften the angles, try narrow frame styles, frames that have more width than depth and narrow ovals.
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Further details about Eyewear Frame structure 48-19-140 Measurement
All frames have standardized size measurements to help manufacturers and optical personnel fit them for consumers: The first number, 48, represents the size of the lenses. The second number, 19, is the bridge size, which ensures that the frame fits your nose. The third number, 140, is the temple length (temples are the parts that hook over the ears).
The frame front
Each person is shaped differently, and requires different frame measurements. To make it more complicated, frames vary by their shapes and sizes, so there is no set of numbers that would apply to one person for all frames. Each frame must be fitted individually
The temple Different structure of endpieces
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Frame materials Plastic frame materials
Optyl
combined with other material for added strength and
Cellulose acetate
Epoxy resin is used for spectacle frames and is known
stability, remaining a part of the array of frame materials
It is a material used extensively for spectacle frames.
under the trade name of Optyl. A liquid resin and
in use.
The basic cellulose material may be extracted from
a hardener are mixed together and drawn into the
Polyamide/Copolyamide. Polyamide is a nylonbased
cotton or wood pulp and then further processed. When
frame molds using a vacuum process. The material is
material that is quite strong. Because it can be made
derived from cotton, the material used is the fiber that
thermoelastic , this means that it will bend when heated
thinner and is only 72% of the weight of cellulose
adheres to the cottonseed after ginning and is too short
and will return to its original shape when reheated.
acetate, polyamide has a real weight advantage.
to be used for making textiles. The cotton or wood
(Cellulose acetate IS thermoplastic. This means that
Polyamide frames can be made opaque or translucent.
material is treated with a mixture of anhydride and
it will bend when heated but does not return to its
Frames made from polyamide are resistant to chemicals
acetic acid using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. Plasticizers
original shape when reheated because it does not have a
and solvents, and are also hypoallergenic.
and aging stabilizers are then added to this material.
“plastic memory.”) Optyl is approximately 30% lighter
Nevertheless, cellulose acetate does become brittle with
than cellulose acetate.Because of its stability, Optyl is
Grilamid
age.
appropriate for those who might be allergic to other
Grilamid is a nylon-based material used in sports
types of frame materials.
and performance type of eyewear. Unlike plain nylon
Propionate Cellulose aceto-propionate, more commonly referred to a propionate, has many of the same characteristics as cellulose acetate and work better for injection molding. It has less colour stability than cellulose acetate and, unless it is covered with a high quality frame coating material containing UV absorbers, will fade within a relatively short period of time.
Nylon and Nylon-Based Materials Nylon
Nylon is a material of high flexibility. When used alone in spectacle frames, nylon will lose that flexibility unless
frame material, grilamid has a large variety of color possibilities. Some manufacturers have fused Grilamid with titanium to create a strong, comfortable variation of this frame material.
periodically soaked in water overnight. Otherwise, over
Carbon Fiber
time, it will become brittle. “Pure” nylon was previously
Carbon fiber material is used to create a thin, strong
used extensively for sports eyewear. It has also been
frame. This material is made from strands of carbon
used for over-the-counter sunglasses. It is now being
fibers combined with nylon. It is not adjustable and is consequently used mainly for frame fronts. The
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temples are generally made from another material. In
Stainless steel
in frame selection, do not plan on making it fit well
It is a mixture of any of a broad range of metals — is
The frames and surgical stainless are another alternative
later on. The principle advantage is the light weight
the most widely used material in the manufacture of
to titanium. Qualities of stainless steel frames include
that can be achieved. Carbon fiber is 60% the weight of
eyeglass frames. It is malleable and corrosion-resistant,
light weight, low toxicity and strength; many stainless
cellulose acetate. Not only is the material light weight,
especially if the right kind of plating, such as palladium
steel frames also are nickel-free and thus hypoallergenic.
but because of its strength, it can also be made thinner.
or other nickel-free options is used.
Stainless steel is readily available and reasonably priced.
Since carbon is black, frame colors will be opaque and are limited. Some problems may be encountered with breakage in cold weather. Because of the thermal problems, it is imperative that the material not be directly worked with
It’s an alloy of steel and chromium, and may also contain another element. Most stainless steels contain
Many frame manufacturers offer titanium and beta-
anywhere from 10 to 30 percent chromium, which
titanium material styles these days; titanium is a
provides excellent resistance to corrosion, abrasion and
silver-gray metal that’s lightweight, durable, strong
heat.
right after it has been outside.
from the Gemini and Apollo space capsules to medical
Flexon
Polycarbonate
implants such as heart valves.
It is a titanium-based alloy. This unique and popular
Polycarbonate is a material usually associated with
Titanium eyewear can be produced in a variety of
material, originated by the eyeglass manufacturer
lenses, but can be molded into frames. Frames made
colors for a clean, modern look with a hint of color. And
Marchon, is called a “memory metal”: frames made
from polycarbonate are primarily for sport or safety
they’re hypoallergenic.
of Flexon come back into shape even after twisting,
purposes. When made for nonprescription purposes, the
Some titanium farmes are made from an alloy that is a
bending and crushing. Flexon frames are lightweight,
lenses
combination of titanium and other metals, such as nickel
hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant. Marchon
and frame are molded as one unit. Frames (and lenses)
or copper. In general, titanium alloy frames cost less
company officials describe the frame as about 25 percent
made from polycarbonate are very impact resistant.
than 100 percent titanium frames.
lighter in weight than standard metals, giving you a
for conventional eyeglasses because of their resistance to adjustment. They are better suited for the type of sport glasses that are held in place with elastic strap or for shield types of glasses that may be used either alone or worn over conventional glasses
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Titanium
and corrosion-resistant. It has been used for everything
Unfortunately, polycarbonate frames do not work well
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Metal frame materials Monel
other words, if a carbon fiber frame does not fit well
Beryllium
much lighter feel on your face.
It is a steel-gray metal, is a lower-cost alternative
Aluminum
to titanium eyewear. It resists corrosion and tarnish,
Frames made from aluminum are lightweight and highly
making it an excellent choice for wearers who have high
corrosion-resistant. Aluminum is used primarily by
skin acidity or spend a good amount of time in or around
high-end eyewear designers because of the unique look
salt water. Beryllium is also lightweight, very strong,
it creates.
very flexible (making it easy for an optician to adjust
Aluminum is not only the world’s most abundant, but
your glasses) and available in a wide range of colors.
also the most widely used, nonferrous material. Pure
aluminum is actually soft and weak, but commercial aluminum with small amounts of silicon and iron is hard and strong.
Unusual Frame Materials
Solid silver or sterling silver It is not used commonly as a principal frame material because it doesn’t make very wearable or comfortable frames. Sometimes silver is used as a trace element in metal alloy frames and often provides a jewelry-like accent on plastic frames. Some companies make gold eyewear, typically gold plating rather than solid gold. Like silver, gold can be used for accenting plastic or metal frames as well.
Wood, bone and buffalo horn The frames usually are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Wood and bone, though stiffer, less adjustable and much more expensive than other frame materials, are appealing because of their unique beauty. Buffalo horn frames have an elegant look and warm to your body temperature; they can feel unlike any other frame you’ve ever worn before. Often used on temples or across frame fronts, leather is not as durable or practical as other materials used for accenting, but it provides an interesting and fashionable
especially in the temples. Popular choices are onyx, turquoise and Swarovski crystals, but even diamonds
look.
can be used, for a luxurious touch. Such designs usually
Semi-precious or precious stones and crystals
Rhinestones are a less expensive alternative and often
They are sometimes used as accents in frames,
are used to create a flashy or retro look.
are worn in a formal office or on dressy occasions.
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Manufacturing process Metal frames Making eyewire: legs and front
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Finishing
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Plastic frames Making the legs and cutting the front
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Finishing and polishing
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Eyewear Lenses Eyeglass Lenses for Presbyopia
Perhaps another reason for the enduring popularity of
considered a major advance over earlier plastics used in
eyeglasses can be found in new lens designs, which help
lens fabrication. Polycarbonate lenses also are lighter
eyes to see better or appear more attractive even when
and thinner than basic plastic lenses, because they have
Presbyopia is a special challenge for people 40 or older,
stronger prescriptions are needed. Because these new
a higher index. Because polycarbonate lenses are tough
because the eye’s natural lens and internal focusing
types of lenses are thinner, the old days of thick, Coke
and scratch-resistant, they are highly recommended for
muscles become less flexible with aging and no
bottle style glasses have virtually disappeared.
children and active adults.
longer can accommodate vision at all distance ranges.
Among the most popular types of lenses prescribed today are:
Presbyopia typically is noticed when print begins to blur, Photochromic lenses have chemical coatings or special
even if you never wore glasses before.
internal changes allowing them to quickly darken in
This means that the usual type of eyeglass lenses you’ve
Aspheric lenses which are not perfectly rounded on the
bright conditions, and quickly return to normal in
likely been accustomed to wearing, known as single-
surface, recently have been designed as a way to correct
ordinary indoor lighting or at night.
vision lenses, no longer will work well for you.
with more traditional lenses. These types of designs also
Polarized lenses diminish glare from flat, reflective
Bifocals
make lenses thinner and lighter.
surfaces (like water) and also reduce eye fatigue.
Traditional bifocals have only two ranges of vision —
Anti-reflective coatings are among the most popular
near and far — with a distance zone established in the
High-index materials also are associated with thinner,
add-ons for lenses. They can dramatically improve
upper portion of the lens, and the lower zone enabling
lighter lenses, because of the more efficient way this
the look and comfort of your glasses by minimizing
near vision tasks such as reading located on the bottom
special plastic refracts light to help you achieve focus.
reflected light that might otherwise appear on the lens,
half of the lens. The zones are separated by a noticeable
Because less plastic is needed with high-index materials,
which also has the added benefit of reducing glare and
line.
lens thickness is reduced.
thus easing eye fatigue.
Wavefront technology lenses are fabricated based on
Other lens coatings include scratch-resistant, ultraviolet
These lenses have three different zones for seeing at
very precise measurements of the way light travels
treatment, and mirror coatings.
varying distances — near, intermediate, and far — and
for small distortions in vision that can be associated
Trifocals
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through your eye, which helps sharpen visual clarity.
can be custom made for you to accommodate your
Polycarbonate is a type of shatter-resistant plastic,
lifestyle or occupation.
Progressive lenses These lenses have many advantages over bifocals and trifocals because they allow the wearer to focus at many different distances, not just two or three. Because they have no lines, progressive lenses allow a smooth, comfortable transition from one distance to another. They are a much better option for active, multitasking people. Reading glasses Reading glasses can be obtained with or without a prescription. Basically, they provide single-vision lenses that sharpen near vision for people with presbyopia and/ or hyperopia. Bifocals are typically placed so the line rests at the same height as the wearer’s lower eyelid. As a bifocal wearer drops his eyes downward to read, the eyes naturally seek out the near-vision portion of the lens.
Specialty multifocal lenses are designed to solve particular vision problems. If you have a special
Trifocals are fitted a bit higher, with the top line of the
need because of your work, hobby or favorite
intermediate area placed even with the pupil. A trifocal
pastime, tell your eyecare practitioner.
wearer focuses through the intermediate prescription area of the lens when looking at something between 18 and 24 inches away. The eyes gravitate straight ahead, or up and over the multifocal segments, when gazing at something in the distance.
Four kinds of bifocal lenses. All have their fans, but many people prefer progressive lenses, because they have no visible lines.
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Methodology The method and practice will focus on the research,
surveys for getting more information about eyewear
find more applications of this high technology and apply
material testing, product prototype production and
design. I will talk to people who wear eyewear and
them to my design during the experimenting process.
evaluations. Firstly, I will analyze the information I get
find out the problems of wearing eyewear such as the
Moreover, I will test many different kinds of materials
form several activities, such as interview, survey, and
nose pressure from the bridges and the temples fixing
such as zyl and titanium to find out the potential material
case studies, and collect data to construct the questions
not well on faces. I will analyze this information and
for my design. I will work on the “weightless” and
and problems in the design process. I will bring the
address questions for making a survey. At the same time,
better coating materials to prevent coating lose. This
research into the practices through a series of material
I will go to the optician stores and visit the eyewear
can improve the quality and reduce the danger of the
testing and experiments to find out the best solutions.
manufacturing factories to interview the optometrist
eyewear products.
This method will integrate the craft and technical skill
and experts of the eyewear field to get the professional
of eyewear products and apply them to the prototype
options and accurate the information I have in the
The final stage-Evaluation
production process. The final stage will be a number of
earlier research. I will analyze the information and
It is an important stage for testing the usability of my
evaluations by users and experts to conduct the product
categorize them into different sections so that I can
design. It can give me the reflections from user trials
value and mistakes which are made in the earlier stages.
check the data easily during the design process. Those
in the consumer market. I will use the three steps of
The final outcome will provide a better eyewear design
activities can complement each other to help me
evaluations: analytical method, empirical methods and
which considers the needs of users.
discover the real needs of users and develop my initial
expert appraisal. Firstly, I will analyze the information
concepts. It also helps me to structure and preparing the
of the earlier stage and check out the details, such as the
The earlier stage-Research
following stage in the design process. However, I have
eyewear proportions, sizes and the safety of the structure
I will use “convergent methodology” to format my
to be careful about the sources I collect the information
and materials. This final prototype will be put into the
earlier design stage. It will involve different levels of
from and check the accuracy of the data when making a
actual usage scenarios and have real users involved.
research which contains interviews, self-observation,
framework of the entire design process.
Those users will give feedback during my design
user observation, survey and meeting the experts. The
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process so that I can realize the mistake I have already
main research area will be focus on the anthropometry
The further stage-Experiments
made and go back to the experimental stage to fix the
data for collecting different types of human face shapes
This stage is the bridge of connecting the early stage and
problems. This process will be repeated several times
through observing peoples’ lifestyles and working with
the final evaluation. It is going to have a lot of material
until the eyewear product is maximizing its usability.
users. Also, I will have a numbers of interviews and
testing and experiments for the product structure. I will
The expert evaluation will be the last part of the entire
Conclusion design process that can help me to make sure the product
Indigenous people lack of the oopportunities in
had the spectacle schemes to provide indigenous people
accuracy of the relationship between users and the real
education, employment and social engagement. They
eyewear and some of medical groups have delivered
market. It also can help me to develop more commercial
also lack of the abilities to access eye care service
the read made glasses to those remote areas. However,
value of my final outcome such as the packaging, the
and even are hard to get eyewear for protecting and
the result is still poor. There are still gaps between
spectacle cases and display cases.
correcting their vision. Vision impairment can enhance
indigenous people and those methods which people lack
the difficulties for indigenous people who living in
of the information about those schemes because of the
those remote and rural areas. Eye health can be affected
long travelling distance. Also, the limitation of the types
by genetic factors, premature birth, ageing, diseases,
of frames, the payment and the fitting problems are still
smoking, injuries, UV exposure and nutrition. Many
the main issues in those schemes. In order to solve those
eye health problems can be prevented (globally about
problems, the eyewear design for indigenous people
90% of blindness is avoidable) and some of conditions
should consider the main concepts of inclusive design
can be improved by wearing eyewear (refractive error;
which include the cost, human factors, usability and
cataract, diabetic retinopathy). There are some methods
safety issue. This project will integrate those elements
have been developed to help indigenous people to access
to create a better quality eyewear for indigenous people
eyewear easier. The Australian government has already
and bring them into the remote communities.
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Major project plan
Reflection
For next semester I will continue my research. I have got some
n the beginning of this semester, I wasn’t sure about my project direction so that my initial
potential resources I have to look through which may help me
research was really general even till the mid semester review. After the lectures suggested me to
understand my topic more. I will also have more material structure
narrow down my topic during the review, I started doubting my topic whether it is good or not.
testing to develop my design. I will look for environmental friendly
It was really struggle for me to choose a specific target and I was really lost during that time.
materials which can be paper, wood, or bamboo. Also, I need to find
Even after I chose the area of indigenous people, I still lost a lot because it is really hard to find
out the other materials which I can mix with those nature materials
the problem statements about the process of their eye service especially in Melbourne. I have
to make the stricter stronger. A series of mock up is important
interviewed a lot of people and medical groups but I felt I was keeping make a round. However,
to improve the structure. I also want to integrate more about the
after being through all the process this semester (bran storming, research, initial designs), I have
delivery system for indigenous people and start to manufacture my
learned a lot about how to develop my own design. It is important for me to learn how to think
final model. I will look for the possible factories I need and finish in
my project from the three different points of view, as a designer, a customer, and a manufacturer.
workshop.
I found out I need to be more decisive and well organized. The digital audio feedback recording is working quite well for me because I can find out the problems during the presentation such as I was repeating “like” and “umm” which disturb people a lot to focus on what I saying. It is also good that I can relisten my feedback whenever I want and I usually come out different thoughts when I keep listening to it. However, sometimes I could not hear properly because it was blur
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Reference Book
Keates, S & Clarkson J 2004, Countering design exclusion: An introduction to inclusive design, Springer- Verlag London Limited, London Goodman, J & Langdon, P.M, Clarkson, P. J 2008, Designing inclusive feature, Springer London, London Thomson ,N & Paterson ,B 1998, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Reviews, 1st edn, Eye health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people program, Darwin Taylor ,HR 1997, Eye health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: the report of a review commissioned by the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Family Services, Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services, Canberra Taylor, V, Ewald, D, Liddle, H, Warchivker, I 2003, Review of the implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Program, Centre for Remote Health, Canberra Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2001, Specialist eye health guidelines for use in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra Bierbaum, N 2002, Mai Wiru, Nganampa Health Council and Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council, Alice Springs
Articles
Anonymous 2007, ‘Design in the balance’, The optician, Vol.234, no. 6120, pg 21 Cara, G 2005, ‘Endless options’, ABI/INFORM Global, Vol.38, no.9, pg 32 Paul, M. OH&S Canada 2003, ‘Keep your eyes on safety’, Don Mills, Vol. 19, no. 7, pg 50 John. B, Roger. C 2005, ‘Commercial advantage from inclusive design’, Design Management review, Vol. 16, no. 3, pg. 56 Persad, U & Langdon, P & Clarkson, J 2007, ‘Characterizing user capabilities to support inclusive design evaluation’, Springer-Verlag, Vol 6, pg 119-135 Patrick W 2000, ‘Inclusive design: A holistic approach’, Proceedings of the human factors and ergonomic society…annual Meeting, Vol. 6 pg. 917
Website
The Fred Hollows Foundation 2009, view 1 Jun 2009,< http://www.hollows.org.au/> Australian Indigenous Health Infontnet 2009, Review of eye health of Indigenous peoples, Australian Indigenous Health Infontnet, view 15 May 2009,< http://www.healthinfonet. ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/eye/reviews/our-review> The Fred Hollows Foundation 2009, Australian Program, The Fred Hollows Foundation, view 1 Jun 2009,< http://www.hollows.org,au>
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American Academy of Ophthalmology 1997, What is a catarac?t, American Academy of Ophthalmology, view 28 May 2009, <http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb. cfm?article_ID=ZZZSXEVUF4C&sub_cat=119> The UK Engineering and physical Sciences Research Council 2008, The i~design project, viewed April 2008, <http://www.inclusivedesigntoolkit.com/> The Fred Hollows Foundation 2009, Australian Program, The Fred Hollows Foundation, view 1 Jun 2009,< http://www.hollows.org,au>
Photo credits The Fred Hollows (1,2,3,5,6,) Mai Wiru (4) Kim Wan (7)
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Sketches
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Tsai Wan Chen s3130980