A major health survey commissioned by Roche suggests the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, will shoulder a disproportionate burden from vision loss, affecting people’s wellbeing, independence and opportunities — and costing the region billions in lost productivity each year.
The survey says many millions across Asia Pacific are at risk of losing their sight and also their independence and quality of life.
Referring to the survey, the World Economic Forum (WEF) said: “Vision loss is often preventable. As the region faces the dual pressures of a growing ageing population and the rising prevalence of diabetes, investing in eye health supports individuals and families in maintaining their wellbeing and livelihoods, while also delivering broader economic and social benefits across the Asia Pacific region.”
Vision impairment is a leading contributor to years lived with disability and costs the global economy $411 billion in lost productivity each year, it says.
In Asia Pacific, where populations are ageing fast and diabetes is rising, the stakes are even higher.
“Without targeted intervention, retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema alone, could contribute to $715 billion in lost productivity and 13 million healthy life years lost in this decade in the 10 studied major economies.”
The survey, involving 4,354 adults aged 40+ across eight Asia Pacific markets, highlighted five areas where targeted efforts could accelerate impact.
- Vision loss impacts households and economies
Vision loss ripples through families and communities. One in four caregivers reported income loss and 39% experienced productivity strain. Many also reported emotional distress and exhaustion, underscoring the broader toll vision loss takes on family wellbeing and support systems. Survey respondents’ top concerns associated with vision loss include reduced quality of life, loss of independence, financial difficulties and mental health issues.
When sight is compromised, it impacts the ability to work, care for others and live independently, creating a cumulative burden that spans health and economic systems.
- High concern, low action: A missed opportunity for prevention
Although 9 in 10 people express concern about their eye health, only 28% receive annual eye checks and 12% never visit an eye care professional.
This awareness–action gap is a missed opportunity. Strengthening early detection through education, integration into existing check-ups and removing access barriers can reduce later-stage disease burden.
- Diabetes management through vision care integration
People with diabetes face a 25-fold higher risk of vision loss, yet nearly a third of survey respondents with diabetes do not receive the recommended annual eye examination and many reported a significant impact on daily life due to visual symptoms.
Incorporating vision care into diabetes and primary health services is a practical way to detect issues early, ease the burden on specialists and protect independence for working-age adults.
- Healthy ageing starts with protecting vision
By 2050, one in four people in Asia Pacific will be 60 or older. Yet, while ageing is widely recognised as a risk factor, many older adults still see vision loss as inevitable. Less than 60% attend regular eye checks and preventive measures are often delayed until symptoms appear.
This is where healthy-ageing policies can make a difference — reframing eye health as part of living well longer, not just treating disease when it arrives.
- Awareness of retinal diseases is critically low
Despite their impact, awareness of specific retinal conditions, like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, remains limited. Across all surveyed markets, knowledge scores averaged just 2.2 out of 4, with many unable to recognize symptoms.
Low awareness often leads to delayed care, missed diagnoses and avoidable complications. Addressing this gap through targeted education and earlier access to innovation is essential for preserving vision and managing long-term costs.
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