Correcting Global Presbyopia: Webinar

Globally, an estimated 800 million people need reading glasses but do not have them. Presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, affects 1.8 billion people worldwide, typically beginning around age 40. It results from the eye’s lens losing flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects.

Left uncorrected, presbyopia can hinder daily tasks such as reading, using digital devices, and performing work that requires precision, which impacts quality of life and productivity.

Fortunately, ready-made near-vision spectacles are a simple and accessible intervention that cost less than USD 1 to manufacture and can dramatically improve vision. However, these are not readily available to all those that need them.

What can be done to tackle this major global vision challenge?

Join authors from a new Community Eye Health Journal issue on presbyopia, featuring global experts from WHO, academia NGOs and national health programmes who will examine emerging strategies for expanding access to near-vision care.

The webinar is hosted by International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and supported by the Livelihood Impact Fund.