The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Vision Loss Expert Group, has released new data showing that millions still suffer from preventable vision loss due to uncorrected refractive errors that could be addressed with simple, cost-effective interventions like eyeglasses.
The findings, published in The Lancet Global Health, reveal that progress towards the global target of a 40% increase in eyeglasses coverage by 2030 set at the World Health Assembly in 2021 needs to be accelerated.
"Universal access to vision care is entirely achievable but only if we act with urgency and unity," said Dr Stuart Keel, WHO Technical Officer. "Eyeglasses are among the most cost-effective tools in global health. It is unacceptable that millions still live with poor vision when a simple, affordable solution is within reach. We cannot allow another generation to be left behind."
Uneven access to eyeglasses
The newly released data reveals that the burden of uncorrected vision loss is not equally shared — it weighs far more heavily on low-income countries, women, and older adults.
In low-income countries, two out of every three people who need eyeglasses are unable to get them — a crisis that directly undermines their ability to learn, work, stay safe, and live with dignity. This widespread lack of access to such a simple solution continues to limit opportunities and deepen cycles of poverty and exclusion.
Women and older people are consistently less likely to receive the vision correction they need, often sidelined by systemic barriers to access and affordability.
The situation is particularly severe in the African region, where around 70% of people with refractive errors do not have access to eyeglasses, leaving millions with avoidable vision impairment that impacts their education, livelihoods, and quality of life.
"In 2024, WHO included effective refractive error coverage in its monitoring framework for the 14th General Programme of Work, a clear signal that the world is beginning to recognize the critical importance of accessible, high-quality vision care," said Professor Rupert Bourne, Principal Investigator from the Vision Loss Expert Group.
"Data from over 815 000 people across 76 countries shows that we are off track. Urgent global action is needed to reach the goal of a 40% increase in eyeglasses coverage by 2030," added Professor Bourne.
Evidence of progress amidst persistent gaps
Despite the challenges, the data shows some encouraging trends. Between 2000 and 2023, there was a 50% improvement in the number of people receiving the correct prescription for eyeglasses — a meaningful step toward reducing avoidable vision loss.
While the global burden of refractive error has surged over the past two decades — largely driven by lifestyle-related risk factors, for example increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities during childhood — eyeglasses coverage has still risen by an average of 5% per decade, demonstrating steady progress despite the challenges.
Dr Keel added "These improvements demonstrate that progress is possible when vision care is prioritized. Meeting global vision targets will require coordinated action across governments, global organizations, donors, and the private sector. WHO calls on all actors to join forces to ensure that everyone, everywhere, gets the vision care they need."
