- Wong B, Singh K, Everett B, O’Brien KS, Ravilla T, Khanna RC, et al. The case for investment in eye health: systematic review and economic modelling analysis. Bull World Health Organ [Internet]. 2023 Dec 1 [cited 2023 Dec 18];101(12):786–99.
Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10680113/
Economía
Learning and productivity losses
Global learning and economic productivity losses from uncorrected error refractivo in schools
To mark World Sight Day 2024, the IAPB and the Seva Foundation co-released new research which estimated the learning loss and long-term economic impacts of poor vision in schoolchildren. This research found:
- Children with poor vision learn approximately half as much in school as those with good or corrected vision.
- Every year, this accumulates to 6.3 million years of schooling being lost globally, with a future economic productivity loss of $173 billion/year (PPP, international dollars).
- Early intervention to correct a child’s vision in school can boost their individual lifetime earnings by up to 78%.
Download the Reports:
Better Education In Sight: Summary
Better Education In Sight: Full report
Regional Case Studies
To contextualize these global findings, case studies in Kenya, Brasil, and India quantify the economic losses in local currencies.
Download Case Studies:
Better Education In Sight in Brasil
Better Education In Sight in Kenya
Better Education In Sight in India
The Solution: A Clear Vision for the Future
- Solving the problem of uncorrected vision in schoolchildren needs focused actions, such as comprehensive eye health programs and good-quality glasses. These solutions are both effective and cost-efficient.
- Implementing vision screening and providing glasses in schools can yield returns as high as $65 for every $1 invested in some contexts.(1) These interventions are comparable to the most successful global development initiatives, offering an unparalleled opportunity to improve educational outcomes and future economic productivity.
- By prioritizing eye health in schoolchildren, especially in low- and middle-income countries, we can ensure that millions of children have a better chance to achieve their full potential.
