World Sight Day 2026: 1.4 Million Children Living with Blindness Worldwide
The Fred Hollows Foundation Calls For Greater Attention To Children's Eye Health And A Future Where Every Child Has The Chance To See The World
This year's World Sight Day will be observed on 8 October. The Fred Hollows Foundation is calling for greater attention to children's eye health and the issue of avoidable blindness. Around 1.1 billion people worldwide are living with vision impairment, including approximately 1.4 million children. More than three-quarters of childhood blindness cases occur in low-income countries. Many eye conditions that cause blindness in children can be prevented or treated, and early detection and intervention are critical to a child's learning, development and future opportunities.
Sight is about far more than simply being able to see. For children, vision plays a vital role in learning, development and exploring the world around them. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), a child with uncorrected vision learns about half as much in a year as a classmate with good vision, highlighting the significant impact vision can have on educational outcomes and future opportunities. When eye conditions are left untreated, they can result in permanent vision loss and have long-term impacts on a child's future. The Foundation notes that nine out of ten cases of blindness worldwide are avoidable or treatable. Yet in many low-income communities, basic eye care services such as an eye examination, a pair of glasses or cataract surgery remain out of reach for many families.
Blaise regained his sight after receiving treatment.
In Rwanda, seven-year-old Blaise experienced progressively worsening vision due to cataracts, making it increasingly difficult for him to read, attend school and participate in class. As his sight deteriorated, his mother, Redempta, feared he would one day lose his vision completely and with it his opportunity to learn and pursue his dreams. Through community eye health services supported by The Fred Hollows Foundation, Blaise received screening, referral and treatment. Following surgery, he regained his sight, returned to school, played football with his friends and once again looked towards a brighter future.
Cyrus Pow, Head of Hong Kong and Macau at The Fred Hollows Foundation, said, "For many families living in resource-constrained communities, a child's vision loss is not the result of an untreatable condition. It is often the result of not being able to access the eye care services they need in time. When a child's future depends on where they are born, it reminds us how much work remains to be done.
He added, "World Sight Day reminds us that every child deserves an equal opportunity to see, learn and thrive. Many causes of childhood blindness can be prevented or treated, yet too many children still miss out because timely and affordable eye care remains beyond their reach. Through sustainable eye care services, we can help more children receive treatment early, change the course of their lives and bring hope to more families."
The Foundation emphasises that eye health should not only receive attention on World Sight Day. Regular eye examinations, early detection and timely treatment are important for protecting vision and maintaining quality of life for people of all ages.
To mark World Sight Day, The Fred Hollows Foundation is currently running its World Sight Day 2026 campaign in support of global eye health. During the campaign period, every HK$1 donated by the public will be matched by HK$1 from corporate partners. For monthly donors, donations made during the first six months will also be eligible for matching support. Funds raised will help support eye health programs in more than 25 countries around the world.
The Fred Hollows Foundation’s World Sight Day 2026 campaign poster featuring CHEAP CENTURY's popular characters Tai Ma Sing and Run Grandma Run.
Members of the public can learn more and support the campaign at: https://www.hollows.org/en-HK/campaigns/world-sight-day/