Change in subjective well-being and the associated costs of a woman-targeted presbyopia correction programme among older craftswomen in Zanzibar: a cost-outcome and scenario analysis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND A pilot eyecare programme aimed to address the urgent eye health needs of older Zanzibari craftswomen. We investigated the impact of correcting presbyopia on their subjective well-being (SWB) 6 months post-correction and assessed the cost-effectiveness of a women-targeted presbyopia correction programme. METHODS This study involved Zanzibari craftswomen aged 40 and older with presenting and corrected distance visual acuity better than 6/12 in both eyes and were presbyopic. Using a before-after method, we assessed SWB on a 10-point scale before and after providing free spectacles. Mean SWB scores and differences pre-correction and post-correction were calculated. Programme costs were analysed to determine the cost per SWB score gained and the monthly cost for each SWB score improvement. Additionally, scenario analysis estimated costs for 12 approaches. RESULTS Of 282 craftswomen, 209 met the eligibility criteria. SWB scores significantly increased from 3.34 to 8.14 post correction (p<0.001). Screening costs totalled US$12 885.84, with an average cost of US$45.69 per craftswoman screened and US$61.66 per presbyopia identification. The total programme cost was US$14,574.69. One hundred fifty-four craftswomen experienced increased SWB, with a total of 747 score gains. Achieving one SWB score improvement cost an average of US$19.50, with a monthly average cost of US$3.40 per improvement. Utilising woman screeners, organised transport and ready-made spectacles appeared to be the most cost-effective approach. CONCLUSION Correcting presbyopia through a targeted eyecare programme significantly enhanced SWB among craftswomen. While the programme seems cost-effective, further research is warranted to explore long-term economic benefits and definitively assess cost-effectiveness in larger studies.