VISION FOR 2030: ADVANCING GLOBAL EYE HEALTH THROUGH WHO'S PEOPLE-CENTERED TARGETS

Eye health is an essential aspect of global public health, closely linked to individual well-being, productivity, and social inclusion. Cataract and uncorrected refractive errors remain the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide, contributing considerably to avoidable blindness and disability. Effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) and effective refractive error coverage (eREC) are emerging as critical indicators for assessing the quality and accessibility of eye care services. These indicators not only measure service delivery but also emphasize the importance of achieving good visual outcomes, reflecting both coverage and quality of care. This review synthesizes current evidence on the global burden of cataract and refractive errors, highlighting the significant variations in eCSC and eREC across countries and demographic groups. Data reveal persistent inequities, with rural populations, women, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities often experiencing lower coverage and poorer outcomes. Furthermore, projections suggest that the rising aging population will increase the absolute number of individuals requiring cataract surgery and refractive error correction, intensifying the need for scaled-up interventions. Cost-effectiveness analyses confirm that cataract surgery and refractive error correction are among the most feasible and economical health interventions, capable of reducing disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and minimizing global productivity losses. Integrating eye care into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) frameworks and aligning efforts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are essential to ensuring equitable access and sustainable financing for eye health services. The Secretariat’s forthcoming steps include finalizing baseline estimates for eCSC and eREC, developing practical monitoring frameworks, fostering funding dialogues, and supporting countries in implementation planning. These initiatives aim to enhance global eye care quality, coverage, and equity, ultimately reducing avoidable vision impairment and improving quality of life worldwide.