Vision Change and Quality of Life Among Ethiopian Elderly Immigrants in Israel

Evaluation of health and social services for elderly populations has increasingly become focused on quality of life as a critical outcome measure of intervention. During the last decade, thousands of Jewish people left the destitution of Ethiopia for Israel. This article describes a prospective study of model community-based eye care including the impact of eye glasses on the quality of life among a limited cohort of Ethiopian elderly. Specifically, elderly persons with eye glasses expressed that they feel better physically, are more able to address their personal needs, and are more inclined to interact socially with family and friends than a comparison group not needing glasses. The results underscore the value of such intervention for the elderly who need eye care.