Barriers to Eye Care Access in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Focus on Asia

Visual impairment and blindness remain major public health concerns globally, but the burden is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in Asia. Although most causes of blindness are preventable or treatable, millions remain visually impaired due to persistent inequities in access to eye care. This short communication synthesizes key barriers to eye care access in Asia, categorizing them into socioeconomic, geographic, health system, cultural, and policy-related dimensions. Special emphasis is given to South and Southeast Asia, where cataract and uncorrected refractive error contribute to more than two-thirds of blindness. Socioeconomic challenges such as out-of-pocket expenditure and poverty interact with structural barriers including rural–urban disparity, shortage of trained personnel, and inadequate health system integration. Cultural beliefs, gender inequities, and lack of awareness further compound the problem. Emerging strategies such as teleophthalmology, mobile surgical units, public–private partnerships, and integration of eye health into primary care have demonstrated potential to address these challenges. Strengthening financing mechanisms, fostering community engagement, and aligning national priorities with WHO’s Universal Eye Health: Vision 2020 and IAPB’s 2030 In Sight frameworks are critical to achieving equitable access. Sustained innovation and political commitment are essential to close the eye health gap in Asia.