Eye health: “one of the smartest investments a government can make”, but not a priority on the EU’s agenda 

• Data shows that correcting vision problems early, improves educational outcomes and could significantly boost the lifetime earnings of almost 750,000 EU citizens over the life course – doubling their income in some countries 

Brussels 10 July: Good eye health boosts learning, employment, mental health and quality of life, with data highlighted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) today showing it could significantly boost the lifetime earnings of children living in the EU. 

Ending avoidable sight loss is under-prioritised in Europe however, and MEPs and eye health experts from across the EU will take part in a series of four discussions in Brussels starting today – to help put the issue firmly on the EU’s agenda. 

The Advocacy to Action series kicked off on World Youth Skills day, as IAPB data shows the impact correcting a child’s vision early can have on their lifetime earnings by improving their education and skills development.  In some countries, correcting vision problems at 5 years old, with quality spectacles worn until 18 years old, can double their expected lifetime earnings (Table below).   

Around 750,0001 children aged between 5 and 17 across the 27 EU member states are estimated to experience untreated refractive error.  The IAPB is also launching a Love Your Eyes Back-to-School campaign on children’s eye health in coming weeks including content for school assemblies, in-class activities and take-home materials for children to share with their parents and caregivers.  

Expected average increase in income over a lifetime if refractive error is corrected at 5 years old with quality spectacles worn until 18 years old, by EU country. 

Source: Vison Atlas: Better education in sight report.  IAPB Evidence Series co-led with the Seva Foundation 

Drew Keys, IAPB Director of Regional Engagement, said: “Eye health is one of the smartest investments any government can make, as good vision, supports learning, keeps people in work and drives productivity.  

“Our data shows that correcting vision problems early can significantly boost the lifetime earnings of Europeans over the life course, and yet eyecare is not a priority on the EU’s agenda.  This needs to change and I’m grateful for the support of all those attending our eyecare series, so that together westart improving outcomes for both young people and adults across Europe”. 

In addition to exploring eye health conditions impacting young people, the series of roundtables will also focus on improving outcomes for adults across the entire life cycle including into older age. 

This EU programme is an important steppingstone ahead of the first ever Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua and Barbuda on 2 November in which Heads of States will make a series of commitments toward ending avoidable sight loss by 2030.