Learning and productivity losses

Global learning and economic productivity losses from uncorrected refractive error 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%.

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Better Education In Sight: Summary

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Better Education In Sight: Full report

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Regional Case Studies

To contextualize these global findings, case studies in Kenya, Brazil, and India quantify the economic losses in local currencies.

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Better Education In Sight in Brazil

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Better Education In Sight in Kenya

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Better Education In Sight in India

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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.

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/

Economics

Global learning and economic productivity losses from uncorrected refractive error in schools

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Regional Case Studies

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The Solution: A Clear Vision for the Future

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