Millions worldwide still lack access to basic eye care like glasses, a new study shows. The research was led by Professor Rupert Bourne of Anglia Ruskin University. It was published in The Lancet Global Health.
The study measured how many people receive treatment for uncorrected refractive error, a common cause of vision loss. Data from 815,273 participants across 76 countries was analyzed.
Global coverage for refractive correction (eREC) is 65.8%, only six percentage points higher than in 2010. This slow progress threatens the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of a 40-point increase by 2030.
The study divides regions into “super regions,” including Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and high-income areas like North America and Western Europe.
Uncorrected vision loss affects low-income countries, women, and older adults the most. eREC is 85% for men and 83% for women in high-income regions, but only 30% for men and 27% for women in sub-Saharan Africa.
WHO expects high-income countries like the UK to reach 100% eREC by 2030. Low-income regions are far behind in access to vision correction.
There has been some progress: from 2000 to 2023, the number of people getting correct eyeglass prescriptions improved by 50%. But the need for glasses is rising due to lifestyle factors like increased screen time and less outdoor play for children.
The study highlights successful national actions. France introduced full reimbursement for glasses through universal health insurance in 2021/22. Pakistan’s long-term eye care plans boosted spectacle use and reduced vision impairment.
The researchers urge urgent global action to improve access to basic eye care. Without this, millions will continue to suffer preventable vision loss.
