As the world marks World Sight Day today, the World Health Organization (WHO) is renewing its call for governments and individuals alike to prioritize eye health and adopt preventive strategies to reduce the rising burden of vision impairment and blindness, particularly across the African Region.
Celebrated annually on October 9, World Sight Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of good vision and the urgent need for accessible, quality eye care services. This year’s observance focuses on encouraging citizens to reflect on their daily habits and adopt healthier practices — such as regular eye examinations, timely medical intervention, and lifestyle adjustments — to maintain optimal vision and overall well-being.
According to WHO, good vision is not just a health matter, but a foundation for improved quality of life, academic performance, employment opportunities, and economic productivity. Despite these benefits, vision impairment continues to pose a major global public health challenge — one that is expected to intensify if targeted interventions are not accelerated, particularly in developing regions.
Vision Loss in Africa: A Growing Concern
In his message to mark the day, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, revealed that only 32% of African Member States have developed a national policy specifically addressing vision loss and blindness.
“This limited policy coverage reflects a broader gap in prioritization and resource allocation for eye health,” he said.
While the region has made significant strides in reducing blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and trachoma, new challenges have emerged. These include aging populations, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, increased prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, and limited public awareness — all contributing to a rise in preventable conditions such as refractive errors and cataracts.
“These factors are worsening existing health system challenges and driving an increase in avoidable vision impairment,” Janabi warned.
Strategic Interventions and Global Goals
To combat the growing burden, WHO and its partners have rolled out several global initiatives. Among the most prominent is Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, which sought to eliminate avoidable blindness by expanding access to cost-effective cataract services worldwide.
More recently, in 2021, the World Health Assembly adopted decision WHA74(12), urging countries to implement Integrated People-Centred Eye Care (IPEC). This included ambitious targets:
- A 40 percentage-point increase in effective coverage for refractive error correction
- A 30 percentage-point increase in cataract surgery coverage by 2030
In line with these targets, WHO launched the SPECS 2030 initiative in June 2024, aimed at ensuring that everyone in need of refractive error services receives affordable, quality, and people-centered care by the end of the decade.
So far, eight African Member States have begun implementing SPECS 2030. While some are already engaging stakeholders and developing work plans, others remain in the early planning stages.
Low Coverage Underscores Unmet Need
Despite ongoing efforts, current service coverage remains worryingly low:
- Effective cataract surgery coverage stands at just 26% — meaning only 1 in 4 people who need surgery receive it with a successful visual outcome.
- Effective refractive error coverage is estimated at 30%, indicating that 2 out of 3 people needing eyeglasses remain uncorrected.
These figures reflect a critical gap in service access and underscore the need for stronger health system integration, greater investment, and more targeted national strategies to address the unmet need.
Call to Action
Dr. Janabi emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities like World Sight Day to promote action.
“We must ensure equitable and sustainable access to eye care. In line with Resolution WHA78.7, Member States are urged to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and empower individuals with sensory impairments.”
He further called on governments to:
- Develop and implement national strategies aligned with WHO guidance
- Integrate sensory care and assistive technologies into health benefit packages
- Expand and train the eye health workforce
- Incorporate sensory health indicators into national health information systems
Janabi also encouraged the use of WHO’s technical tools, such as data collection frameworks, digital innovations, and WHO Eyes — a free smartphone app for vision screening — to support policy, advocacy, and routine screening efforts.
As the global community marks World Sight Day, WHO’s message is clear: Preventable blindness and vision impairment are challenges we can — and must — overcome with timely, coordinated, and inclusive action.
