Tamanna with her brother Adil smiling

World Sight Day 2024: Why the Chain of Poor Vision and Poverty must be Broken

World Sight Day serves as a crucial reminder of the millions of people living with visual impairments, many of whom lack access to the eye care they desperately need. Poor vision is not only a health crisis but is also tightly linked to economic hardship, especially in low- and middle-income communities.

Vision and Poverty: a Vicious Cycle

More than 1 billion people around the world live with some form of visual impairment, with the majority in low- and middle-income regions where eye care services are often inaccessible. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 90% of vision impairments are preventable or treatable, yet for many, the cost of eye care remains an insurmountable financial burden.

Vision problems—particularly untreated refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness) and hyperopia (long-sightedness)—create significant barriers to education, employment, and productivity. In these regions, where economic opportunities are already limited, the inability to afford basic eye care exacerbates the cycle of poverty.

Tamanna getting her eyes screened

Meet Tamanna, whose life was transformed by your generosity. Here she is getting screened at an Orbis supported Green Vision Centre in India.

Investing in eye health can generate enormous returns. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), every $1 invested in eye health can yield a return of $4 in economic productivity. This powerful statistic highlights the role eye care can play in driving economic growth and lifting families out of poverty.

For children, poor vision can result in falling behind in school, which diminishes future opportunities and deepens the struggles of their communities. For adults, vision impairments hinder their ability to work, trapping them in a cycle of poverty that is hard to escape.

The Wider Impact: Mental Health and Social Isolation

Tamanna and her family sitting for a photo

Together, we will be able to create brighter futures for those in need of eyecare. Tamanna's story shows how your gift can help ensure we can achieve this.

While the economic toll of poor vision is clear, its effects on mental health—especially in children—are often overlooked. Research by Orbis has revealed a strong connection between vision impairments and mental health challenges in children.

Children with untreated vision problems are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Struggling in school due to poor eyesight can erode self-esteem, and limited participation in physical and social activities can further impact emotional wellbeing. Addressing children’s vision problems is therefore not just about improving academic performance—it’s about supporting their overall mental health and emotional development.

Eye Care as a Catalyst for Change

Access to affordable eye care can be a game-changer, breaking the cycle of poverty for individuals and communities. Programmes that provide free or low-cost eye care, such as school screenings and vision correction services, are critical in helping children stay in school and adults maintain employment. Research shows that providing reading glasses to workers can improve productivity by up to 22%, illustrating how crucial vision correction is to economic empowerment.

Organisations like Orbis are leading the way in tackling the global vision crisis by delivering life-changing eye care, training local healthcare professionals, and conducting cutting-edge research to improve global eye health. Through partnerships with governments, global health organisations, and the private sector, Orbis ensures that sustainable and affordable eye care reaches those who need it most.

Tamanna and her brother, Adil, playing together

Tamanna and her brother, Adil, who are now able to achieve their dreams thanks to your help and generosity.

Tamanna’s Story: a Vision Restored, a Future Transformed

Tamanna choosing her pair of glasses at a Green Vision Centre

Join Orbis in making a difference to children like Tamanna.

One remarkable example of the impact of Orbis' work is the story of Tamanna, a young girl from Maharashtra, India. Tamanna suffered from blurred vision, frequent headaches, and watery eyes, but her family lacked the means to seek help. That all changed when a school eye screening programme identified her vision issues.

“I couldn’t see some of the characters on the test properly,” Tamanna recalled. She was referred to a local vision centre, where she was diagnosed with a refractive error and prescribed glasses. Within days, she received her new glasses, and her life began to improve dramatically.

At first hesitant to wear her glasses due to fear of teasing from classmates, Tamanna soon realised how essential they were. “My eyes don’t water anymore, and my headaches have stopped,” she said, adding that she now encourages her friends to get their eyes checked.

Tamanna’s story illustrates the life-changing potential of simple interventions like school screenings and access to affordable glasses. Today, with her vision restored, Tamanna is thriving in school and dreams of joining the police force, confident in her ability to achieve her goals.

Breaking Barriers: Eye Care as a Path to a Brighter Future

Tamanna choosing her pair of glasses at a Green Vision Centre

See Tamanna choosing her glasses at an Orbis supported Green Vision Centre. With your help, Tamanna is now able to chase her dreams in joining the police force.

As we mark World Sight Day this year, it’s vital to remember that addressing vision impairment is about more than just improving eyesight—it’s about breaking down the barriers that keep millions trapped in poverty. By ensuring access to affordable eye care, we can give children the chance to succeed in school, help adults improve their economic prospects, and empower entire communities to overcome poverty.

Investing in eye care is an investment in the future. By supporting eye health, we are creating opportunities for people to thrive academically, socially, and economically, building a fairer world where everyone has the chance to fulfil their potential.

Join Us This World Sight Day: Together, We Can Make a Difference

This World Sight Day, we invite you to support Orbis in its mission to transform lives through clear vision. By helping children like Tamanna regain their sight, you’re giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams and escape the cycle of poverty. Let’s work together to make quality eye care accessible to all, changing lives and communities through the gift of clear vision.

Sign-up to keep up with more inspiring stories like Tamanna. Together, we can make quality eye care accessible to everyone.

By supporting Orbis this World Sight Day, you’re not just restoring sight—you’re transforming lives.

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