Vision impairment, including blindness, and poverty are intricately linked in a complex, cyclical relationship. This connection affects millions of people worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective strategies to break the cycle and improve lives globally.
The Scale of the Problem
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment, with 1 billion of these cases being preventable or yet to be addressed [1]. Notably, about 90% of people with vision impairment live in low- and middle-income countries [2]. This stark statistic underscores the disproportionate impact of vision problems on economically disadvantaged populations.
Blindness is preventable
In the field of eye health, this deficiency is particularly serious, as the lack of access to eye care can have devastating and irreparable consequences.
Around 90 percent of vision loss could be avoided or treated if those affected had access to opticians or ophthalmologists or had sufficient knowledge about eye health. 90 percent of people with vision loss live in low- and middle-income countries. (Source: Vision Atlas, IAPB)
How Poverty Contributes to Vision Impairment
Poverty often leads to conditions that increase the risk of vision impairment:
- Limited access to healthcare: Poor communities often lack access to quality eye care services, preventing early detection and treatment of vision problems.
- Malnutrition: Vitamin A deficiency, more common in impoverished areas, can lead to night blindness and, in severe cases, irreversible blindness [3].
- Unsafe living conditions: Poverty may expose individuals to hazardous environments that increase the risk of eye injuries.
- Lack of education: Limited awareness about eye health and preventive measures can exacerbate vision problems.
How Vision Impairment Perpetuates Poverty
The consequences of vision impairment are particularly severe in developing countries, affecting various aspects of life:
- Reduced educational opportunities: Children with untreated vision problems may struggle in school, limiting their future earning potential. A study in rural China found that providing glasses to students increased their test scores significantly, equivalent to an additional year of schooling [4].
- Literacy Rates: Adults with vision impairment have significantly lower literacy rates.
- Decreased productivity: Adults with vision impairment may face challenges in the workplace or be unable to work altogether. The global economic cost of vision impairment was estimated at $411 billion per year in productivity losses [5].
- Increased healthcare costs: Managing vision impairment can be expensive, further straining limited resources.
- Social isolation: Vision impairment can lead to reduced social participation, limiting networking opportunities and social support systems crucial for economic advancement.
Breaking the Cycle
Addressing the link between vision impairment and poverty requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Improving access to eye care: Initiatives like the WHO’s VISION 2020 program aim to eliminate avoidable blindness by increasing access to eye care services in underserved areas [6].
- Education and awareness: Promoting eye health education and regular check-ups can prevent many cases of vision impairment.
- Economic empowerment: Programs that provide vocational training and employment opportunities for people with vision impairments can help break the cycle of poverty.
- Policy interventions: Governments and international organizations must prioritize eye health in poverty reduction strategies and healthcare policies.
The connection between vision impairment and poverty is clear and significant. By addressing both issues simultaneously, we can work towards a world where everyone, regardless of economic status, has the opportunity to see clearly and participate fully in society. As we make progress in this area, we not only improve individual lives but also contribute to broader economic development and social equity.
Rates on the rise
The number of people with visual impairments is increasing. According to forecasts, their number will increase by 55% or 600 million people in the next 30 years. This means that the need for ophthalmological care will increase sharply in the coming years. (Source: Vision Atlas, IAPB)
Seeing is a human right
In order to end the vision-related inequities that exist around the world and make a strong contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, GoodVision is active in 11 countries in Africa, Asia and South America, but also internationally on a political and social level.
Successes give hope
- Since its founding in 2012, GoodVision has cured more than 7,500 people of cataracts through cataract surgery and consequently saved from blindness
- More than 630,000 people have received glasses so far and can thus participate actively and self-determinedly in life again and successfully shape their future.
- More than 1,620,000 people have received an eye test with GoodVision, clearing the first hurdle to better vision.
- Many millions of people in village squares in Peru, in schools in Malawi or in factories in India have learned through personal conversations with GoodVision staff how they can protect their eyes and what they can do for their own eye health.
- More than 400 people work for GoodVision in countries with a weak labor market in permanent employment contracts with fair pay.
To create a sustainable future, we must all step up our efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and discrimination and ensure that all people can fully enjoy their human rights.
With your donation, you too can get involved in bringing good vision to the world.[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Blindness and vision impairment.
[2] World Health Organization. (2019). World report on vision.
[3] UNICEF. (2021). Vitamin A deficiency.
[4] Glewwe, P., et al. (2016). American Economic Journal: Applied Economics.
[5] Bourne, R.R.A., et al. (2017). The Lancet Global Health.
[6] World Health Organization. (2020). VISION 2020: The Right to Sight.