Planning guide for integrated vision rehabilitation

Overview

This planning guide provides a structured framework to support countries in developing and integrating vision rehabilitation services within national health and eye care systems. It addresses the global need for accessible services for people with irreversible vision impairment, highlighting barriers such as limited workforce capacity, insufficient infrastructure and weak integration into health systems. Aligned with universal health coverage and global commitments on disability and eye health, the document is intended for policy-makers, health planners, eye care and rehabilitation professionals, and organizations involved in service delivery and advocacy.

The guide outlines a practical three-step process for integration, including assessing the current situation, identifying and implementing priority interventions, and embedding services into national plans and monitoring frameworks. It provides operational guidance on service delivery across different levels of care, clinical assessment, workforce development and procurement of assistive products, alongside considerations for stakeholder engagement, training, awareness-raising and data systems. By promoting integrated, people-centred approaches, it supports countries in strengthening health systems and improving access to vision rehabilitation services.