Eye health is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health1 has analysed the current state of eye health globally and identified the life-transforming impact of eye care.
Eye health is key to ensuring good health, mental health and well-being.
Vision loss increases the risk of premature mortality – this risk increases as vision loss becomes more severe.2 The risk of premature mortality is:
Poverty is both a cause and a consequence of poor eye health. Removing the difficulties faced by individuals with vision loss can increase economic workforce participation and productivity and provides greater economic opportunities for individuals.
Vision loss causes $410.7 billion in lost productivity annually.1
Access to eye care services helps reduce poverty and hunger and increases economic opportunities and employment.
Educational performance is linked to good vision. Children with vision impairment have poorer educational outcomes and are more likely to be excluded from schools.1
Investing in eye health services improves educational attainment and increases participation in education.
Vision loss is both a contributor to inequalities and is also an outcome of inequality.
Inequalities are often masked by national averages. Persistent inequity in eye care must be addressed for universal health coverage to be realised.
Well-being: Gioconda Armas, Clínica Oftalmológica de la Selva, Poverty, decent work and economic growth: Dimple Pancholi, Quality education: Graham Coates, Vision Aid Overseas, Inequalities: Madeleine Smith, Fred Hollows Foundation NZ (Photographer: Darren James),
