Willingness to Pay for Spectacle: An Outreach-Based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim The ophthalmic service lacks to supply spectacles following standard refraction, because of the absence of the optical dispensing unit. The aim was to determine willingness to pay for a pair of spectacles among presbyopic people if the service begins. Methods An interview-based questionnaire was employed among presbyopic people, who were refracted during a community-based outreach service conducted at Debre-Tabor town, South Gondar. Results A total of 322 study subjects have completed the questionnaire. The median value of gross monthly income was US $75.0 (Range from US $7.1–321.4). The mean amount of willing to pay for a pair of spectacles was US $17.9 (Range from US $1.1–107.1). Participants who were willing to pay at least US $12.5 (minimum cost at the public optical dispensing unit) for a pair of spectacles accounted 63.0% (95% CI: 57.8–68.3). Based on multivariable logistics regression output analysis age (P = .049), occupation (P = .001), monthly income (p = .001), and positive history of previous spectacles wear (P = .005) show statistically significant association with willingness to pay for a pair of spectacles. Conclusion In the study area, the mean amount willing to pay for a pair of spectacles was higher than the average set of the price at the public optical dispensing units in Gondar. Public willingness to pay for a pair of spectacles could be considered as an assurance to set up an affordable and financially sustainable spectacle supply service. Conducted on a community-based outreach service may likely pool keen population segments to overestimate the result. Abbreviations: ANOVA: Analysis of Variance; CI: Confidence Interval; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Science; USA: United States of America; US$: United States dollar