Effective coverage of refractive error care
A simple pair of spectacles can transform lives for hundreds of millions – yet glasses remain out of reach for far too many. Best viewed on desktop – scroll slowly to explore the full data story.
Bourne R, et al. Effective refractive error coverage in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of updated estimates from population-based surveys in 76 countries modelling the path towards the 2030 global target. Lancet Glob Health. 2025.
World Health Organization, Eyeglasses coverage for distance refractive error, 2025.
Ata Adnan, Karen Hernández
Explore topics
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.
Featured news
View sight loss data by countries
Explore and understand how sight loss affects different parts of the world and the impact that it has.
View by country