• 285 million people are visually impaired
• Of these, 39 million are blind, and 245 million have
moderate or severe visual impairment
• YET 80% of blindness is avoidable
• 90% of people with visual impairments live in developing
countries
• Almost 65% of visually impaired people are over 50 years
of age
• 19 million children are visually impaired
Calls to Action:
Governments must mobilise political will and resources to support VISION
2020 in their own countries, and in developing countries around the world
Development agencies must move to support this highly effective and
positive agenda, taking advantage of the united strength of private and non-profit
sector organisations
Eye care professionals must play their part in working together to bring
sustainable, integrated eye care services to all
VISION 2020: WORKING TOGETHER TO ELIMINATE AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS