Global leaders urged to accelerate investment in eye care to generate billions in economic benefits

Press note for immediate release

Thursday 8 October 2026

Global leaders urged to accelerate investment in eye care to generate billions in economic benefits

More than one billion people are living with avoidable vision impairment, yet an increase in investment could generate US$199 billion in economic benefits for low and middle income countries.

This World Sight Day (8 October), the international development organisation Sightsavers is calling on governments, donors, private and public sectors to integrate eye care into health systems, boost investment and service access. This will help ensure everyone can access the care they need to thrive.

The call comes ahead of the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health in November. The Summit will be hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). It will bring together global leaders to secure commitments that support people with avoidable vision impairment including cataract and refractive errors.

Interventions such as cataract surgery and pairs of glasses can transform lives. Access to eye care helps children learn, increases employment opportunities and enables people to participate more fully in society. It also boosts economic productivity and progress towards universal health coverage.

Improving eye care is a health imperative, but it is also an economic opportunity. Research from IAPB, Seva Foundation and Fred Hollows Foundation estimates that if low to middle income countries increase investment in eye care by 2030, it could generate US$199 billion in economic benefits. IAPB data also shows that, on average, early intervention in child vision impairment could increase a child’s lifetime earnings by 78%.

The impact of access to eye care is seen through the story of Dinah in Kenya. She couldn’t sit close to the board at school or where there was a light, the reflection hurt her eyes. At an eye health screening supported by Sightsavers, Dinah was diagnosed with refractive error.

After receiving glasses, Dinah said: “Now I can face the book directly, and also the whiteboard…You don’t have that low self-esteem. You can have the courage to walk before people, talk to them because now you see them clearly.”

Despite the proven benefits, eye care remains overlooked in many health and development plans, particularly among the communities disproportionally affected by vision issues. More than 85% of people with vision impairment live in low and middle income countries. Women and girls also account for more than half of people living with visual impairment.

Sumrana Yasmin, technical director for inclusive health at Sightsavers, says: “The solutions already exist. Glasses, cataract surgery and stronger eye care systems can transform lives, yet too many people still cannot access the support they need. The Global Summit for Eye Health is an opportunity for governments, donors, private and public sectors to turn commitments into action so more people can learn, work and participate fully in society.

“To support this, we commit to work with governments and partners to strengthen health services, save and protect sight, and help more people live full, independent lives. This will include supporting eye health professionals, bringing services closer to communities, and ensuring vision and eye care is part of health, education, livelihood and road safety programmes.”

Sightsavers is already working with government and other partners across Africa and Asia, including the Focus on Clear Vision project in Kenya and Nigeria. Project activities include training health workers and teachers in basic eye health screening; community outreach; provision of glasses and equipment; gender and disability inclusion training.

Sumrana continues: “It’s encouraging to see global leaders already supporting eye care and engaging in pre-Summit discussions. Momentum is building, but more effort is needed. The Summit is an opportunity for our leaders to prove their commitments to accessible eye care for everyone.”

Sightsavers’ call supports IAPB’s World Sight Day efforts to focus global attention on the need for eye care that is accessible, available and affordable for everyone. As a partner of the Global Summit for Eye Health, Sightsavers is helping unite leaders on eye care action.