Vision change and quality of life among Ethiopian elderly immigrants in Israel

Evaluation of health and social services for elderly populations has increa singly become focused on quality of life as a critical outcome measure of i ntervention. During the last decade, thousands of Jewish people left the de stitution of Ethiopia for Israel. This article describes a prospective stud y of model community-based eye care including the impact of eye glasses on the quality of life among a limited cohort of Ethiopian elderly. Specifical ly, elderly persons with eye glasses expressed that they feel better physic ally, are more able to address their personal needs, and are more inclined to interact socially with family and friends than a comparison group not ne eding glasses. The results underscore the value of such intervention for th e elderly who need eye care.