World Report on Vision

Authors

Ramona Bashshur, JD, MJ, CFPH
Collin M. Ross, MPM, CEBT

Abstract

The World Report on Vision, released in October 2019 by the World Health Organization (WHO) together with the International Agency to Prevent Blindness (IAPB) is a comprehensive assessment of the current and projected global burden of all eye diseases and conditions, building on previous global action plans that have been coordinated by WHO.1 The World Report on Vision (“Report”) seeks to generate greater awareness, increased political will and investment to strengthen eye care globally.2 To this end, the Report proposes recommendations for action. These recommendations are designed to be achievable by any country subject to its resources and capabilities. The WHO promotes an encompassing assessment of vision, and affirms that a person’s full participation in society is predicated on the ability to see. Vision impairment and eye conditions are defined broadly to include any interference with visual function. Even mild impairment can impact everyday functioning, and has a range of effects on overall physical wellbeing, mental health, the ability to acquire education and employment, family life, and aging. Further, there are some eye conditions that do not result in vision loss but still require treatment, such as dry eye or conjunctivitis, and thus are classified as impairment.3 Worldwide, the number of people with vision impairment is 2.2 billion; of these 1 billion cases are deemed preventable. The definition of “preventable” in the context of this report includes vision conditions that are “yet to be addressed” 4 with lead examples given of eyeglasses provision and trachoma control measures. Further, the WHO advocates for global estimates of vision impairment to include people whose vision correction has already been addressed with glasses or contacts, rather than just those with uncorrected vision, since the person will require ongoing vision care.5 Planning for implementation must take place on a country level, however there are varied opportunities for non-governmental organizations, including US eye banks, to participate in these achievable global developments.