Focusspec

Focusspecs are adjustable glasses that can be altered to address the individual wearer's needs. Here's how it works: The lens consists of two optical lenses with third-grade surfaces. Because one lens is the exact inversion of the other, the moment they are placed exactly behind each other the strength of the lens is zero. Converting the lens along the x-axis changes the intensity of the Alvarez lens. Doing the same thing for the y-axis changes the astigmatic correction of the Alvarez lens. The Alvarez lens rectifies all refraction and astigmatic deviations by displacing one lens over the x- and y-axis and by turning the complete lens around the z-axis (optical axis).

The lenses of the Focusspec are made of high-quality polycarbonate. The frame and temples are made of industrial-grade plastics. The frame, lenses and the worm wheel are put together by ultrasonic welding, making the spectacles less vulnerable to dust and dirt. Silicone parts are used in the newest model of the Focusspec to make the glasses fit around different noses.

Approximately 80% of the people who need refractive correction can be helped with Focusspec glasses.

Approximately 3.5 billion people today have an eye condition which requires most of them to wear glasses (or lenses) to see properly.

On a visit to Tanzania in 2002, Frederik van Asbeck, a young Dutch student who is myopic, discovered that people with poor vision in Tanzania could not get their sight problems checked and resolved, simply because there was not any eye care service to speak of.

As approximately 80% of the cases of poor vision can be helped with refractive correction (i.e. with glasses), he got involved in a project to develop adjustable glasses on the basis of the Alvarez principle at the University.

Publicly available: yes
Countries where available: Worldwide
Price range (USD): 1 to 20 USD