Global eye care targets endorsed at World Health Assembly

Global eye care targets endorsed at World Health Assembly

The 74th World Health Assembly has approved global targets for effective coverage of refractive error and cataract surgery to be achieved by 2030.

The aim is to improve access to refractive correction and cataract surgery for millions of people. Global experts acknowledge that interventions “that address the needs associated with uncorrected refractive error and unoperated cataract are among the most cost-effective and feasible health interventions available.”

Alan Tinger, FODO director, said: “We are fortunate in the UK to have a world-leading primary eye care service, with excellent access to eye care that can manage refractive error and cataracts.

The World Health Assembly again reminds us of the major public and population health benefits of primary eye care and GOS, which effectively corrects refractive error and remains one of the most cost-effective and feasible health interventions available.”

Globally, more than 800 million people have distance impairment (i.e. myopia and hypermetropia) or near vision impairment (i.e. presbyopia) that could be addressed with an appropriate pair of spectacles.

An estimated 100 million people have moderate-to-severe distance vision impairment or blindness that could be corrected through access to cataract surgery.

• Read the World Health Assembly outcome