The National Eye Health Program of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS) presented the preliminary data of the third Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB 2025) on July 30, 2026. The study analyzed the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in adults aged 50 and older across the country.
With this milestone, Paraguay becomes the first country in Latin America to implement a national-level RAAB study for the third time, while also being the first assessment in the country conducted using the advanced RAAB7 technology and methodology.
Key Findings
- Blindness Prevalence: 2.1% of the population over 50 lives with blindness (approx. 27,362 people).
- Main Causes: Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness, followed by glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
- Visual Impairment: 1% present severe visual impairment (17,255 people), 11.5% moderate, and 9.5% mild (the latter mainly driven by uncorrected refractive errors).
- Impact of Diabetes: The study highlights that individuals with diabetes experience more severe forms of blindness and visual disability.
- Fieldwork Efficiency: Covering cities across 16 departments, 6,325 people were examined, achieving an effective response rate of 85% and surpassing the standards required by the methodology.
Presentation and Key Attendees
The official presentation of the results was led by Dr. SofÃa Maldonado, Director of the National Eye Health Program. The event also brought together key institutional and technical leaders:
- Dr. Gustavo Ortiz, Director General of Health Services and Networks Development, representing the Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare, Dr. MarÃa Teresa Barán.
- Dr. Haydee Padilla, PAHO/WHO Representative in Paraguay.
- Dr. Miriam Cano, President of the National Vision Committee of Paraguay (CONAVIP).
- Dr. João Furtado, Official RAAB7 Trainer for Latin America (PAHO), responsible for methodological advisory and training.
- Ryan Toews, CEO of Fundación Visión and Co-Chair of IAPB Latin America.
- Cristina Sánchez Gauto, Regional Manager for Latin America at IAPB.
