Why global action on eye health matters now
More than 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to basic eye care, and that number could double by 2050 without action.
Yet more than 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable, often through low-cost interventions such as cataract surgery and prescription glasses.
So why does avoidable vision loss remain such a significant global challenge?
In a special edition of Devex’s This Week in Global Development podcast, sponsored by The Fred Hollows Foundation, CEO Ross Piper and Director of Strategic Initiatives Amanda Davis discuss why eye health needs greater attention from world leaders and what it will take to make progress.
Making eye health a global priority
Eye health is about more than medical care. It affects people's ability to learn, work, support their families and participate in their communities. When people cannot access the eye care they need, the consequences can extend well beyond their individual health.
With the upcoming global summit for eye health presenting an opportunity to build momentum, the conversation explores how eye health can move beyond clinical settings and become a priority for heads of state and decision-makers.
The Summit will bring together world leaders, development partners, investors, NGOs and private sector representatives to secure ambitious commitments and accelerate progress towards reaching the 1.1 billion people living with avoidable vision loss.
Making this shift means recognising eye health as an important part of broader development goals, including education, economic opportunity and stronger health systems.
The economic case for investing in vision
Investing in eye health can deliver significant economic and social returns.
The podcast highlights research showing that every US$1 invested in eye health can generate an estimated US$28 return in economic productivity. By helping people access the treatment and support they need, eye care can contribute to stronger communities and economies.
Ross and Amanda also discuss innovative financing approaches, including the World Bank-backed Vision Catalyst Fund, and how new investment models can help expand access to eye care.
Bringing eye care closer to communities
Making eye health accessible requires more than investment alone. Eye care also needs to be integrated into existing health services so people can access support earlier and closer to home.
The discussion explores practical approaches, including integrating eye care into primary healthcare and conducting eye screenings in schools. These approaches can help identify vision problems earlier and connect people with the care they need.
The conversation also examines the importance of addressing gender disparities in vision loss, ensuring women and girls have equitable access to eye care.
Turning global attention into action
The scale of avoidable vision loss shows what is at stake, but the solutions already exist. The challenge is ensuring they reach the people who need them.
The upcoming global summit for eye health offers an important opportunity to strengthen political commitment, mobilize investment and make eye health a more prominent part of the global development agenda.
As Ross and Amanda discuss in the podcast, achieving lasting progress will require governments, development organisations and health partners to work together to make eye care accessible to everyone.
Listen to the full conversation
Hear Ross Piper and Amanda Davis discuss the global case for investing in eye health on Devex’s This Week in Global Development podcast.
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