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May 25, 2025 — Despite advances in medical technology and healthcare delivery, millions of people around the world still lack access to basic eye care, including something as fundamental as prescription eyeglasses, according to a major new study published in The Lancet Global Health.
The research, led by Professor Rupert Bourne of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), analyzed data from over 815,000 participants across 76 countries. The findings reveal that global coverage for refractive correction—meaning access to glasses or contact lenses for vision problems—stands at just 65.8%. This is only a modest six percentage-point increase since 2010.
WHO Target at Risk
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) set an ambitious goal: to increase global access to refractive correction by 40 percentage points by 2030. However, the study’s authors warn that, unless urgent action is taken, this target is unlikely to be met.
Professor Bourne, principal investigator for the Vision Loss Expert Group, emphasized the urgency:
“Correction of refractive error is the safest, most efficient, and most economical intervention to improve daily vision quality for the majority of individuals affected by vision impairment worldwide. It contributes to reducing poverty and improving wellbeing, work productivity, education, and equity.”
Stark Inequalities Remain
The study highlights significant disparities in access to eye care between regions, genders, and income groups:
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High-income regions (such as North America and Western Europe):
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eREC (effective refractive error correction) is at 85% for men and 83% for women.
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Sub-Saharan Africa:
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eREC is just 30% for men and 27% for women.
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Low-income countries, women, and older adults are disproportionately affected by uncorrected vision loss.
Progress and Setbacks
There have been positive trends: from 2000 to 2023, there was a 50% improvement in the number of people receiving the correct prescription for eyeglasses. However, the overall need for vision correction is also rising, driven by lifestyle factors such as increased screen time and less outdoor activity among children.
Solutions in Action
The study points to successful national initiatives that could serve as models for other countries:
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France: Introduced full reimbursement for spectacles as part of universal health insurance in 2021/22.
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Pakistan: Implemented a series of national eye-care plans over the past two decades, boosting spectacle use and reducing vision impairment from uncorrected refractive error.
The Road Ahead
The authors stress the need for urgent, coordinated global action to expand access to basic eye care. Without it, millions will continue to suffer from avoidable vision impairment, with far-reaching impacts on education, employment, and quality of life.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a summary of findings from the study “Millions still lack access to basic eye care worldwide,” published in The Lancet Global Health and reported by News-Medical.net. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For more details, please consult the original study or a qualified healthcare professional.
Read the full study here
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