Global Progress in Access to Corrective Eyewear Remains Insufficient Despite Slight Improvements

Millions worldwide still lack access to essential eye care services, particularly glasses, according to a recent comprehensive study led by Professor Rupert Bourne from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). The research, published in The Lancet Global Health, examines the availability and quality of treatment for uncorrected refractive errors—one of the leading causes of vision impairment globally.

Utilizing data from over 815,000 individuals across 76 countries, the study reveals that the global effective refractive correction (eREC) rate is currently approximately 65.8%. This figure indicates only a modest six-percentage point increase since 2010, despite over a decade of efforts. Such slow progress raises concerns about reaching international targets, notably the World Health Organization's goal of a 40 percentage point increase in eREC by 2030, which now appears unlikely without intensified global action.

The disparities are stark when comparing regions: high-income countries, including North America and Western Europe, have eREC rates around 85%, whereas sub-Saharan Africa lags significantly at around 27-30%. The burden of uncorrected vision issues predominantly affects low-income nations, women, and older adults.

Encouraging trends include a 50% improvement in the number of individuals receiving proper prescription glasses from 2000 to 2023. Nonetheless, rising lifestyle factors such as increased screen time and decreased outdoor activity during childhood have expanded the need for vision correction.

Different countries have demonstrated effective strategies—France introduced full reimbursement for glasses within universal health coverage in 2021, and Pakistan has implemented nationwide eye-care programs over the past two decades, resulting in increased spectacle usage and reduced vision impairment.

Professor Bourne emphasizes that correcting refractive errors is among the most cost-effective and safest interventions to improve daily life quality, boost productivity, and promote health equity worldwide. He warns that current progress is insufficient and urges urgent coordinated efforts to meet the 2030 global target of increasing eyeglasses coverage and reducing avoidable vision loss.

For more details, refer to the full study in The Lancet Global Health.