Eye Health Equals

One billion people have a visual impairment that could have been prevented or could still be treated. If the world’s eye care needs were met, the impact would be astounding.

A manifesto for change

The change we seek is ambitious, but achievable. It requires governments, donors, decision-makers, NGOs and other partners to work together to:

Recognise the importance of eye health in achieving development goals and universal health coverage

Integrate eye health into global and national health, education and employment policies and programmes

Invest in inclusive eye health services, with particular focus on women and girls

Eye health equals opportunity, allowing children to learn and adults to earn. It equals improved wellbeing: supporting families, communities and nations to thrive. And it equals progress towards reducing poverty and inequality.

The promise of the Sustainable Development Goals is a world where no one – regardless of gender, disability, age, income or status – is left behind. Eye health equals a crucial chance to make that promise a reality.

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2.2 billion people

have a visual impairment worldwide, but almost half of this is preventable or treatable.

£343.7 billion a year

is thought to be lost in productivity because of visual impairment.

Half the population

worldwide are unable to access the eye care they need.

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Learn why the Sustainable Development Goals are key

What are the SDGs?

How we’re making a difference

A mother and her young daughter hug and smile.

Going beyond health: the role eye care plays in the SDGs

Impacting numerous Sustainable Development Goals, eye health has a ripple effect that improves gender equity, education, economic and health outcomes. Sightsavers’ health policy adviser shares practical guidance for eye health and the SDGs.

Ophthalmologist Alinafe uses a torch to check a man's eyes.

Why eye health is crucial for universal health coverage

Everyone will require eye care services at some point in life, but universal health coverage cannot be achieved unless all people have affordable access to eye care. Sightsavers’ health policy adviser shares practical steps on integrating eye health into UHC.

Shamima and her child Toha in Bangladesh. There's an illustrated ring of small dots surrounding their faces.

It started with a tuk-tuk: Shamima’s story

Shamima, who has hearing and speech impairments, was able to access vital treatment after her sister heard about Sightsavers’ free eye camps via a local tuk-tuk campaign.

Gladys Atto in her doctor's uniform, smiling at the camera.

A day in the life: the only ophthalmologist in Karamoja

Cataract surgeon Gladys Atto is an everyday hero, saving sight and building long-term eye health services in Uganda to ensure everyone can get the treatment they need.

Asmau and Fatima, both wearing coloured headscarves, smile and embrace at their home in Nigeria.

“Thank God for giving us a mother who loves us so much”

In Nigeria, one community is home to a family in which nearly every member has experienced visual impairment.

Arif and his mother sit on a bed chatting.

“Now I know what a gift sight is”

Arif’s life changed when he had two cataract operations at five years old. We've been following his journey since then, from completing his education to finding work as a driver.

When small ripples make big waves

In a village in southern Malawi live Wilson, Ganizani and Alice. Their story shows how the impact of one eye operation can spread throughout an entire community, changing lives as it goes.

Read their story

We protect sight, fight disease and make sure everyone can claim their rights.

Find out how your support can make a huge difference and change lives.

Eye Health Equals

One billion people have a visual impairment that could have been prevented or could still be treated. If the world’s eye care needs were met, the impact would be astounding.