Ready-made reading glasses are included in the WHO-UNICEF Assistive Product Specifications (APS) which describe the minimum requirements related to technical performance and function for safe and effective assistive technology use.
49Table 18: World Health Organization Assistive Product Specifications for reading glasses
Quality standard |
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ISO 16034:2002: This international standard specifies the minimum requirements for complete single-vision ready-to-wear near-vision spectacles. These spectacles are not intended for regular use without the approval of an eyecare professional. |
EN 14139:2002: This European standard specifies the minimum requirements for complete ready-to-wear spectacles. These are not intended for regular use without the approval of an eyecare professional. |
US ANSI standard: Z80.31–2017: This American national standard created by the American National Standards Institute specifies the minimum requirements for complete ready-to-wear near-vision spectacles with positive power available directly to the public without the prescription of a licensed professional. |
Lens |
Power range: +0.75D to +4D with 0.25D intervals (The power should be labelled on each pair of glasses) |
Material: Plastic/Glass |
Solar ultraviolet radiation transmittance: ultraviolet radiation absorption >95 per cent close to 400nm |
Resistance: Impact- and scratch-resistant |
Lens diameter should depend on the lens design and frame size |
Frames |
Design: Full-field and half-eye frames |
Weight: Light |
Durability: Long |
Other |
Individual box, case or pouch should be provided for each pair |
Cleaning cloth should be provided for each pair |
Table 19: WHO Assistive Product Specifications – Essential information required for reading glasses
Product |
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Overall weight |
Lens |
Lens type |
Lens material |
Lens coating |
Optical centration distance |
Power range |
Solar ultraviolet radiation transmittance |
Frame |
Frame dimensions: (Lens width x Bridge width x Temple width and Lens height) |
Frame material |
Frame colour |