A resolution passed by the United Nations (UN) Assembly commits member states to provide eye care for the world’s 1.1 billion people with preventable sight loss by 2030.
Passed unanimously by all 193 countries of the United Nations, Resolution A/75/L.108 sets a target for vision for everyone by 2030, with countries set to ensure full access to eye care services for their populations, and enshrines eye health as part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN estimated sight loss to cost the global economy $411bn in productivity each year and the resolution asked for international financial institutions and donors to provide targeted finances, especially to support developing countries in tackling preventable sight loss.
Campaigners and UN officials called on governments and international institutions to act immediately to fulfil the resolution.
Ambassador Aubrey Webson, permanent representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the UN, and founding co-chair of the UN Friends of Vision group said: ‘An eye test for a child can be the difference between inclusion and or exclusion; A pair of prescription glasses, the difference between access to information and seeking a livelihood and not. Corrective eye treatment, the difference between improved sight and total loss of sight. The gift of sight for the 1.1 billion people living with preventable sight loss is within reach if we ensure world leaders deliver on this moment.’
