A Zulu man wearing adaptive glasses. Photograph: Michael Lewis

As a very nearsighted designer who depends on vision for my livelihood (I have 20/500 vision – if I were any more nearsighted, I’d be crosseyed) this article from the Guardian really made an impact on me. Josh Silver, professor of physics at Oxford University, has come up with a brilliantly simple solution to bring affordable vision to the more than 50% of the world’s population in need of corrected vision.

The premise is based on the fact that the thicker the lens, the stronger the magnification. Inside the tough outer lens is a water-filled sac which can be filled by the wearer to the optimal magnification level. There is no need for an optician; the wearer can adjust the fluid level, then seal it off by twisting a small screw.

I remember the moment I put on my first pair of glasses at age 10. I never even knew that it was possible to see the individual leaves on trees! Apparently, those who have tried the water-filled glasses have an almost universal reaction just like I did: a big smile spreads across their face as they are suddenly able to see a world of details.

The economical implications of giving someone improved vision are significant: literacy rates improve dramatically, and workers are able to continue their work… fisherman can mend nets, women can weave clothing, tailors can thread needles. It never occurred to me before reading this article how critically important good vision is to the economic well-being of a nation.

The ambitious goal is to produce 100 million pairs annually, and distribute them to the poorest regions of the world. They are aiming to keep production costs at about $1 per pair. They are also trying to figure out how to make the frames a bit less clunky and Harry Potter-like. Now that would be a REALLY cool industrial design project for someone to take on…