Simple, low-cost interventions such as school eye screenings and on-the-spot reading glasses in low- and middle-income countries could significantly boost global productivity, new research shows.
These measures could return $447 billion to the global economy every year and enable 22 million more people to work, according to The Value of Vision report released by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
Published in collaboration with the Seva Foundation and The Fred Hollows Foundation to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the report shows that investing in six key eye health priorities could deliver a $28 return for every $1 spent – putting eye health on par with nutrition as one of the most cost-effective global development strategies.
Eye health as a global development priority
Unveiled at a high-level UNGA meeting hosted by IAPB and the United Nations Friends of Vision Group, the report highlights how addressing avoidable sight loss can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
With nearly one billion people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) living with preventable vision impairment, the crisis is projected to worsen due to ageing populations and increased screen use. The consequences, the report notes, are profound – ranging from unemployment and lower educational outcomes to mental ill health and social isolation.
The report identifies six key government priorities to reduce sight loss:
- Early detection through community and school screenings, especially for children, professional drivers, and adults over 40.
- Immediate distribution of reading glasses after screenings.
- Increased workforce capacity through investment in training and technology.
- Improved surgical productivity by strengthening workflows – potentially boosting output by 40–50%.
- Removing access barriers such as cost, distance, and stigma.
- Enhancing cataract surgery outcomes through advanced training, biometry use, and strong post-operative care standards.
A $7.1 billion global investment in these measures could yield $199 billion in returns by 2030, with even greater annual gains if the approach continues beyond that date.
Leaders call for action
Mr Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, will address the UNGA meeting, urging governments to implement national eye health roadmaps ahead of the newly announced 2026 Global Summit for Eye Health.
“Five years ago, this General Assembly adopted the Vision for Everyone resolution, committing to reaching those most in need,” Browne will say. “But five years on, not enough progress has been made. There are still children missing out on education, workers leaving their jobs, and elders unable to contribute to their families and communities.
“Unlike some complex policy issues, eye health already has affordable, implementable solutions. What is needed now is action. For small states like Antigua and Barbuda, the potential return on investment is clear – eye health is a smart economic strategy that unlocks jobs, productivity, growth, and prosperity.”
Mr Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, said the findings highlight the universal impact of sight loss and the need to make eye health a core part of national health and development agendas.
“Vision loss affects nearly every part of our lives – our ability to learn, work, and stay mentally healthy,” Holland said. “The cost is tangible for individuals and economies alike. But practical, affordable solutions exist. Ahead of next year’s Global Eye Health Summit, we must integrate eyecare into national systems and make it accessible for all.”
Mr Brad Wong, chief economist at the Seva Foundation, said the research underscores the economic potential of eye health investment.
“Our analysis shows that simple, proven interventions – like school screenings, cataract surgery, and ready-made reading glasses – deliver outsized returns,” Wong said. “Improved sight translates directly into measurable gains in education, productivity, and employment. Eye health is not a marginal issue – it’s central to sustainable growth.”
Mr Jack Hennessy, senior health economist at The Fred Hollows Foundation, said eye health interventions consistently rank among the most cost-effective in global health.
“These aren’t treatments we need to discover – they’re available right now,” Hennessy said. “Our research shows how governments and donors can invest in low-cost, actionable interventions to realise enormous health, social and economic benefits. Restoring sight transforms lives and economies alike – it’s one of the smartest investments any country can make.”
To explore the full findings, visit the IAPB Vision Atlas.
