Globally, an estimated 800 million people need reading glasses but do not have them.
Presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, affects 1.8 billion people worldwide, typically beginning around age 40. It results from the eye’s lens losing flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Left uncorrected, presbyopia can hinder daily tasks such as reading, using digital devices, and performing work that requires precision, which impacts quality of life and productivity.
Without good near vision life can become very challenging, and the issue cuts across public health, economics and gender equity.
Fortunately, ready made near-vision spectacles are a simple and accessible intervention that cost less than USD 1 to manufacture and can dramatically improve vision. However, these are not readily available to all those that need them.
What can be done to tackle this major global vision challenge?
A new issue of the Community Eye Health Journal (to be published shortly) addresses the issue of presbyopia for the first time.
To coincide with its publication we invite you to hear from global eye health experts featured in the issue, including from WHO, academia, NGOs and national health programmes who will examine emerging strategies for expanding access to near-vision care.
Topics that will be discussed include:
- community-based delivery models
- innovative distribution approaches
- ‘over-the-counter’ provision
- raising awareness and generating demand
- policy and regulations
- WHO targets and tools
The webinar is hosted by International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), supported by the Livelihood Impact Fund.
Speakers include:
- Andrew Bastawrous (moderator) - Professor, ICEH at LSHTM, & Founder/CEO Peek Vision
- Stuart Keel - Technical Officer, Blindness Prevention at WHO
- Priya Morjaria - Assistant Professor, ICEH at LSHTM and Head of Global Programme Development, Peek Vision
- Thulasiraj Ravilla - Director of Operations and Co-Founder, Aravind Eye Care System
- Oteri Okolo - National Eye Health Programme, Nigeria
