Global eye health experts are urging parents to prioritize eye testing for their children before the beginning of the new school term. According to data from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), a simple eye test and glasses could help double a child’s lifetime earnings. Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment in children and accounts for a total of 27,178 years of lost schooling in Tanzania every year.
The IAPB has published new findings highlighting 23 countries where a child’s lifetime earnings could double if vision problems are corrected. In Tanzania, if the issue is identified at age five and corrected by wearing quality glasses through to age 18, data shows this could more than double (a 124 percent increase) the lifetime earnings of a child. The IAPB is encouraging parents to arrange routine eye tests for their children if they are able.
To promote children’s eye health, the IAPB is launching a “Love Your Eyes Back-to-School” campaign. The campaign includes content for school assemblies, in-class activities, and take-home materials for children to share with their parents and caregivers. This initiative aims to educate children and parents about the importance of eye care and encourage them to prioritize eye testing.
The IAPB’s call to action comes ahead of the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua and Barbuda on November 2. Heads of State and partners will make commitments to improve eye care services worldwide. IAPB CEO Peter Holland emphasized that a simple eye test and glasses could be one of the best investments a parent can make for their child’s future.
However, not all parents may be able to afford eye tests and glasses for their children. IAPB CEO Peter Holland noted that governments should ensure every child has access to sight tests and glasses. He stated that every child deserves to see clearly when they start school or return for the new school term.
Other experts in the field also support the importance of prioritizing eye care for children. Sumrana Yasmin, technical director for inclusive health at Sightsavers, added that investing in eye tests and glasses is not only about preventing avoidable vision loss but also about unlocking potential, transforming lives, and ensuring no child is left behind.
Anadine Marshall, International Programs Director at CharityVision, noted that a simple vision screening can identify a problem that might otherwise go unnoticed for years. By providing glasses to children who need them, we can remove a simple barrier that makes an enormous difference in their education, confidence, and future.
Key points
- A simple eye test and glasses could help double a child’s lifetime earnings.
- Uncorrected refractive error accounts for 27,178 years of lost schooling in Tanzania every year.
- The IAPB is launching a “Love Your Eyes Back-to-School” campaign to promote children’s eye health.
