Free glasses for older adults in India: a trial on thinking skills and more

The investigators aim to conduct a mixed-method study in which a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and a descriptive qualitative study will be conducted. The RCT aims to determine whether free near and distance glasses provided to residents in Hyderabad, India, aged ≥ 60 years, with under- or un- corrected refractive error and normal baseline hearing and cognition (HMSE > 18), can improve quality of life, reduce falls, reduce depression, improve social interaction and physical activity cost-effectively over 36 months. The primary qualitative research aim is to a) contextualize the RCT with information on the milieu and culture in which the trial will be conducted; b) provide data on the lived experiences of older adults with reduced vision in the study area, and c) conduct a process evaluation of the trial.

The primary outcome measure is the three-year change in cognition measured by LASI- DAD (Longitudinal Aging Study in India(LASI)- Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia(DAD) global cognitive score.

Secondary Outcome Measures: Three year change in Quality of Life score measured by WHO QOL-BREF; Visual functioning from the RASCH-scaled version of INDVFQ(Indian Visual Functioning(INDVFQ);self-reported physical activity score measured using IPAQ questionnaire; PHQ9 score; domain specific cognitive score (orientation, executive function, language/fluency, memory) measured by HMSE; Total cost of care including direct and indirect costs; Quality adjusted life years; Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio; Number of falls measured by Quick Screen score over the three years; Social network density at 3 years (SNI 1-3 represents a "limited" social network, 4-5 is a "medium" social network, and SNI ≥6 is a "diverse" social network) measured by the SNI score; An additional secondary outcome will be LASI-DAD global cognitive score analysed by excluding any tests determined pre-hoc to depend on visual acuity.