World Sight Day is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and is an opportunity to focus attention on eye health as a global issue. You can get involved by pledging a sight test, entering the photo competition or by spreading the word.
SOME KEY FACTS
Child Eye Health
- Children with a vision impairment are up to five times less likely to be in formal education and often achieve poorer outcomes.
- It is estimated that 40% of children are blind from eye conditions that could be managed or prevented if the child had access to eye care services.
- Globally, over 90 million children and adolescents have vision impairment or blindness.
Gender Equality
- Of the 1.1 billion people with vision loss, over 50% are female.
- Women are 40% less likely to utilise eye care services than men.
- In some parts of the world, if girls are blind or significantly vision impaired it is almost impossible for them to access education.
Global Data
- 1.1 billion people experience vision loss primarily because they do not have access to eye health services when they need them, where they need them.
- Over 90% of those with uncorrected vision loss live in low- and middle-income countries.
- Unaddressed poor vision results in $411 billion in lost productivity each year.
Source: IAPB