Strengthening eye health: a focus for health systems

Poor eye health is, surprisingly to many, one of the most common health problems for people in developing countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one adult goes blind every second, and one child becomes blind every minute. Globally, an estimated 314 million people are visually impaired, including 45 million people who are blind – 90 per cent live in low-income countries.

With the move towards a more comprehensive approach to the health sector, it is time to recognise eye health as an essential component of a strong health system.