  The cost-effectiveness of policies providing subsidized goods is often
compromised by limited use of the goods provided. Through a randomized trial,
we test two approaches to improve the cost-effectiveness of a program
distributing free eyeglasses to myopic children in rural China. Requiring
recipients to undergo an ordeal better targeted eyeglasses to those who used
them without reducing usage relative to free delivery. An information campaign
increased use when eyeglasses were freely delivered but not under an ordeal.
Free delivery plus information was determined to be the most socially
cost-effective approach and obtained the highest rate of eyeglass use.
