Eye health investments could yield $199 billion in productivity

Data from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) indicates that investing in eye health offers significant economic and social returns. According to reports by the IAPB, in collaboration with the Seva Foundation and Fred Hollows Foundation, every $1 invested in six priority eye health areas could yield a $28 economic return.

A proposed $7.1 billion investment in these priority areas—including community screenings, access to corrective eyewear, and increased cataract surgeries—could generate a $199 billion increase in productivity between 2026 and 2030. This initiative aims to provide care for approximately 1 billion people living with avoidable vision loss.

To address these global needs, the first Global Summit for Eye Health is scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda on November 2, 2026. The summit will bring together government representatives, international organizations, and the private sector to establish commitments regarding funding and public policy for universal access to eye care.