AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -
Dutch scientists launched field tests
in India on Tuesday of universal spectacles they have designed
to help the vision of children in developing countries.

Scientists at Amsterdam's Free University Medical Centre
worked for years on the U-Specs, which have a “one size fits
all” frame and lenses that can be easily adjusted by hand to
improve the vision of those with moderate long and short sight.

They say the U-specs are suitable for about 90 percent of
children who need glasses. The Dutch foundation that funds the
project aims to reach 10 million poor children who cannot
afford to go to an eye specialist.

“It is actually sort of a total solution,” said project
leader Sjoerd Hannema before heading to India, where the
glasses will be tested in hospitals from July to September.

He said the foundation plans to distribute the glasses via
local organizations and local entrepreneurs.

“The micro entrepreneurs will get a basic knowledge of eye
testing to see if someone needs glasses or not and thereafter
will go with a business in a box from village to village,”
Hannema says.

Once tested, the foundation wants to manufacture the
glasses in developing countries so they can be produced
cheaply. It hopes to get mass production under way within a
year.

(Reporting by Tineke van der Struik; Editing by Ibon
Villelabeitia)