Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40499955›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2025

What is the Zanzibari craftswomen's experience on eyeglass use, business challenges and solutions? Participatory action research using solicited diaries and listening workshop narratives.

Fatma Omar, Bhagyalaxmi Shivalingam Pillai, Omar Juma Othman, Eleanor Holland, Eden Mashayo, Kajal Shah, Ronnie Graham, Christine Graham, Ving Fai Chan

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Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Fatma Omar *Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.
Bhagyalaxmi Shivalingam Pillai *Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Sciences, Belfast, UK.
Omar Juma OthmanZanzibar Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.
Eleanor HollandSchool of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomendical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Sciences, Belfast, UK.
Eden MashayoVision Care Foundation, Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.
Kajal ShahDublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland.
Ronnie GrahamIndependent Researcher, Edinburgh, UK.
Christine GrahamCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Sciences, Belfast, UK.
Ving Fai ChanCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Sciences, Belfast, UK v.chan@qub.ac.uk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4968-7953

Funding

Wellcome Trust
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo present older presbyopic Zanzibari craftswomen's firsthand experiences with the eyeglasses, the challenges they face in advancing their businesses and proposed solutions to these challenges.

designThis participatory action research used solicited diaries, where 10 craftswomen documented their experiences with presbyopia correction for 6 months. The diaries were translated into English for qualitative content analysis. Researchers then held a 2-day listening workshop with 20 craftswomen to discuss the diary findings and gather their perspectives on challenges and solutions. These workshops included group discussions and debates to encourage open communication. Narrative analysis was conducted to identify the key narratives.

settingZanzibar, Unguja and Pemba Islands.

participantsZanzibari craftswomen entrepreneurs with corrected presbyopia, 40 years and older.

interventionPresbyopia near vision eyeglasses for 6 months.

resultsThe study found that improved vision with eyeglasses significantly benefits craftswomen in Zanzibar. They experience increased work efficiency, quality and income. Craftswomen also reported greater independence, confidence and participation in daily activities. However, limited market access and competition restrict their income growth. Business skills training in areas like marketing and finance is seen as a solution for sustainable success.

conclusionsImproved near vision was associated with enhanced productivity, financial confidence and well-being among craftswomen. However, persistent barriers-including limited market access, competition and lack of business skills-highlight that a vision-only approach may not address the intersectional challenges faced by older women entrepreneurs in Zanzibar. These findings suggest that integrated strategies combining vision care with business mentoring may offer more sustainable support.

Indexed as

CommerceEyeglassesPresbyopiaAdultAgedEntrepreneurshipFemaleHumansMiddle AgedNarrationQualitative ResearchTanzaniaCommunity-Based Participatory ResearchPUBLIC HEALTHQUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Identifiers

PMID40499955
PMCPMC12182027

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