The Lancet Global Eye Health Commission

The work undertaken by the Lancet Global Eye Health Commission was building on the foundation laid by WHO and partners in VISION 2020, and the WHO World Report on Vision.

The Commission, synthesised the latest evidence, and authored by 73 leading experts from 25 countries. The analysis demonstrated that with the right tools, strategies and sufficient funding – improving eye health has immediate benefits for economic and social prosperity for individuals and nations

Global eye health video

The Lancet Global Health summary : Vision loss could be treated in one billion people worldwide, unlocking human potential and accelerating global development

• Estimates from the report suggest 1.1 billion people were living with untreated vision impairment in 2020, and this is expected to grow to 1.8 billion by 2050. Yet over 90% of vision loss could be prevented or treated with existing, highly cost-effective interventions.
• New estimates indicate that addressing preventable sight loss could bring global economic benefits of US$411 billion a year, and is essential to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing poverty and inequality, and improving education and access to work.
• To help achieve immediate and substantial benefits for societies and people living with vision impairment, expert authors call on governments to include eye health in broader health care planning and financing, harness new technology to improve diagnosis and treatment, and expand the eye health workforce, so that everyone can access high-quality eye care.

Without additional investment in global eye health, new estimates reveal that 1.8 billion people are expected to be living with untreated vision loss by 2050. The vast majority of these (90%) reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the greatest proportion occurring in Asia and subSaharan Africa.

Below are a few commentaries from the Lancet global eye health commission that summarise some of the key findings from the commission:

Eye health and Sustainable development goals – Commentary by Dr Nathan Congdon (4.33min long)

Equity In eye health – Commentary by Dr Jacqueline Ramke (4.09min long

The economics of eye health – Commentary by Ana Patricia Marques (5.43 min long)

General health , wellbeing and mortality – Dr Bonnielin Swenor, The John Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute

As you watch the videos and follow the commentary, consider what can be done within your own health systems and who are the most vulnerable groups that need to be reached.

Reference
The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020