Dutch test "universal" spectacles for poor children

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)