The Value of Vision: The case for investing in eye health
Our latest research shows something we have always known instinctively but can now prove with data: eye health is not just a health issue; it is one of the most powerful economic opportunities of our time.
The burden of poor eye health already costs the global economy billions every year. For the first time, our analysis reveals the extraordinary return possible with targeted investment.
A Powerful Return on Investment
Eye health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lag far behind wealthier nations. That is where 90% of people living with avoidable sight loss are based, and where the productivity gains are greatest.
Our findings show that every $1 invested in eye health in LMICs yields $28 in returns. A $7.1 billion investment in six priority areas – from community screenings and eye exams to access to reading and prescription glasses, and scaling up cataract surgery – could unlock a $199 billion boost to productivity in just five years (2026–2030).
This is only the beginning. If we scale investment and reach all 1 billion people globally living with avoidable sight loss, the return rises to $447 billion every year.
Built on Collaboration
We partnered with the SEVA Foundation, the Fred Hollows Foundation, and a technical working group with expertise, data, and lived experience from across regions. Together, we carried out the largest costing exercise ever undertaken in eye care in LMICs, drawing on evidence from 55 service providers in 25 countries.
By combining global modelling on vision impairment with data on national income, school enrolment, labour force participation, and population structures, we were able to project how improved vision translates into economic and social benefits across the life cycle.
Explore
- Visit the Global Dashboard to explore the data behind this research.
- Explore the new country dashboards for 111 LMICs, providing insights to drive policy and investment at the national level.
- Access key documents, such as the Summary Report for the key findings and implications, and the Full Technical Report for a deeper dive into our methodology and evidence base.
Reference: Wong B, Hennessy J, Stern J, et al., The Value of Vision: The case for investing in eye health, Seva Foundation, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and IAPB, 2025, https://visionatlas.iapb.org/
