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A dynamic platform for global eye health data, trends and insights — informing critical decisions and action.
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The Value of Vision: The case for investing in eye health
New research by IAPB, Seva, and The Fred Hollows Foundation confirms that eye health is one of the best buys in global health, with every $1 invested yielding $28 in economic returns.
Age standardised prevalence of all sight loss:
Number affected by sight loss:
Click to view country data
Age-standardised prevalence of all sight loss, 2020
3-6%
6-9%
9-12%
12-15%
15-18%
18-21%
21-24%
24-27%
27-30%
How to cite: Bourne R, et al. Trends in prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Glob Health. 2020. Accessed via the IAPB Vision Atlas.
1.1 billion
people live with sight loss
$411 billion
is lost each year from the global economy due to sight loss
90%
of sight loss is preventable or treatable
The Value of Vision: The case for investing in eye health
Scaling proven solutions to sight loss in low- and middle-income countries will improve eye health, overall health, learning, jobs, and productivity – delivering one of the best returns in global health.
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Western Pacific
Trachoma prevalence below elimination threshold across all Australian jurisdictions for the first time
Australia records trachoma prevalence below the WHO elimination threshold across all jurisdictions for the first time, marking a significant step towards the formal validation of elimination as a public health problem.
Western Pacific
Review highlights eye health inequities for Māori and Pacific People in New Zealand
A scoping review of 47 studies finds that Māori and Pacific People in Aotearoa New Zealand face greater barriers to eye care than other New Zealanders.
South East Asia
Free reading glasses boost productivity among Indian garment workers
A $10 pair of glasses delivers a 337% return on investment among presbyopic garment workers in India, a randomized trial finds.
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Interactive data story
Better Education In Sight
Uncorrected refractive error costs children worldwide 6.3 million years of schooling and $173 billion in future earnings every year.
Interactive data story
The Value of Vision
Investing $7 billion in eye health across low- and middle-income countries could return $199 billion in economic benefits — making it one of the best buys in global health.
Interactive data story
Effective cataract surgical coverage
Cataract surgery is fast, straightforward, and inexpensive. However for millions around the world, it remains out of reach.
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The Value of Vision: The case for investing in eye health is available online.
We also provide detailed data and visualisations at both global and country levels, which can be explored on the IAPB Vision Atlas. Offering comprehensive insights to support evidence-based investment in eye health.
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