Leveraging Evidence for Advocacy & Campaigns: A Call to Action

Better Education In Sight Report: Learning and economic productivity losses from uncorrected refractive error in schools

We are driven by a simple yet profound mission: to ensure that evidence informs action.

Better Education In Sight, the new report on Global learning and economic productivity losses from uncorrected refractive error in schools, was released by IAPB and SEVA Foundation this year on World Sight Day.

The research shows that a child with poor vision learns approximately half as much as a child with good or corrected vision. This translates directly into reduced lifetime earnings for the individual; for example, if a five-year-old is provided with glasses in primary school and continues to wear them until they are 18, they will earn, on average, 78% more over their lifetime than if they never had their vision corrected.

On a global scale, this accumulates into 6.3 million years of schooling being lost every year, and a future economic productivity loss of $173 billion. Losses are seen across both high-, low- and middle-income countries.

This report highlights a critical issue that must not only be understood but urgently acted upon by governments, educators, health professionals, and policymakers.

Why This Evidence Matters

The impact of poor vision is far-reaching, extending well beyond individual health concerns. Uncorrected vision impairment can significantly hinder a child’s ability to learn, affecting school performance, and future earning potential. For most children of school age, vision is a cornerstone of education—an indispensable tool for reading, writing, and participating fully in the classroom. Yet, every day 17.8 million children across the globe are learning in environments where their vision needs remain unmet.

Without timely vision correction, children are at risk of falling behind their peers academically, which in turn reduces their chances of securing higher-income jobs as adults. This vicious cycle of lost learning potential translates into measurable economic impacts, both for the individual and society at large. The researchers estimate that half the learning loss could be avoided with more vision screenings and provision of glasses, and another half through ensuring that children wear their glasses when they need them.

Failing to act on these insights undermines both educational equity and economic growth. Countries that do not invest in vision care are, in effect, allowing preventable barriers to hinder their future workforce and limit national development.

How to Use This Evidence

This evidence is not just data—it is a blueprint for action.

1. Policy Development: The evidence presented can underpin policy and investments to ensure access to vision screening, glasses and eye care. By embedding vision care into national health and education frameworks, countries can ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to the eye health services they need to succeed in school.
2. Advocacy and Funding: Advocacy efforts can use this evidence to make a compelling case for funding from governments, international donors, the private sector and NGOs. The numbers tell a powerful story: for every dollar spent on vision correction, there is a significant return on investment through improved educational outcomes and increased workforce productivity. This economic argument can galvanize stakeholders across sectors, ensuring that eye health receives the attention and funding it deserves.
3. Cross-sector Collaboration: The evidence underscores the need for partnerships between health and education sectors. Schools are a natural point of contact for early detection of vision problems, but they need the support of health professionals to provide adequate follow-up care. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, countries can create integrated systems that address vision problems early, preventing long-term productivity losses and improving overall social outcomes.
4. Targeting Inequality: The data also emphasizes the urgent need to address disparities in access to vision care. Children living in rural or underserved communities are disproportionately affected by uncorrected vision impairment. Targeting these populations for vision screening and correction can reduce educational gaps and promote inclusive economic growth.

A Call to Action

The evidence offers a clear and urgent message: the cost of inaction is too high. The link between vision, learning, and productivity is undeniable, and the solutions are within our grasp. By using this data to inform policy, advocacy, and cross-sector initiatives, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive, and where no one’s potential is limited by poor vision.

At IAPB, we stand ready to work with partners around the globe to turn this evidence into action. Together, we can build a future where vision care is an integral part of every child’s educational journey, unlocking new opportunities for individual success and collective prosperity.