We know that 2.2. billion people – a quarter of the world’s population – have a visual impairment. And nearly half of this visual impairment could have been prevented, or could still be avoided.
Without urgent and sustainable efforts, the number of people who are blind could reach 115 million by 2050. But this isn’t inevitable.
Globally, $410 billion is lost in productivity each year because of visual impairment and blindness. But on average, across all of Sightsavers’ programmes in Africa and Asia, it costs just $3 to $5 for a pair of prescription glasses – a simple solution that has been proven to lead to a significant increase in potential earnings. This solution can change someone’s life.
If we are to tackle the global eye health crisis, everyone counts and everyone has a part to play. What’s yours?
The next World Sight Day will take place on Thursday 13 October 2022: join us to take action, help raise awareness and support Sightsavers’ work to combat avoidable blindness.
Sightsavers works in more than 30 countries to prevent avoidable blindness and fight for the rights of people with disabilities. About Sightsavers
Watch our video below to see what we’re doing to tackle the global eye health crisis, and how our work is making a difference.
The Accelerate programme, supported by Sightsavers, aims to stop people going blind from trachoma. In Benin, five patients reveal how the programme has changed their lives.
During the pandemic, our priority has been to restart our work quickly and safely. Sightsavers staff give insight into our how eye care programmes have evolved during the past 18 months.
Father and grandfather Sardar from Pakistan is the main breadwinner for his family. But his children and grandchildren faced an uncertain future when he began to develop cataracts.