The World Health Assembly endorsed the global targets
for effective coverage of refractive errors and cataract surgery to be achieved
by 2030 - namely, a 40 per cent increase in coverage of refractive errors
and a 30 per cent increase in coverage of cataract surgery. These targets will
play a key role in increasing global eye care coverage in the future while
delivering quality services.
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.
Interventions that
address the needs associated with uncorrected refractive error and unoperated
cataract are among the most cost-effective and feasible health interventions
available. Key challenges in meeting the growing demand for these interventions
include the ability to provide services for underserved populations and
ensuring quality service delivery.
Achieving these targets requires the combined and proactive efforts of all stakeholders including governments, civil society, international organizations, intergovernmental organizations and the WHO Secretariat working together in innovative ways to address the population eye care needs. These needs do not just relate to cataract and refractive errors but are also associated with a range of other common eye conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Related links
Documents A74/9 and A74/9 Add.3
Integrated people-centred eye care, including preventable vision impairment and blindness Global eye care targets for 2030