For millions of children, not being able to see the blackboard clearly can become a barrier to learning. Yet in many low- and middle-income countries, vision screening and eyeglasses are still not routinely available through schools.
A new UNESCO IICBA study, School Eye Health Programs: An Investment Case, developed in partnership with EYElliance and the World Bank, shows why that needs to change. Co-authored by Quentin Wodon, Chata Male, Ada Nayihouba and EYElliance co-founder and CEO Elizabeth Smith, the study brings together evidence on educational outcomes, programme costs and the economic returns of investing in school eye health.
School eye health programmes help children have their vision checked at school, receive eyeglasses if they need them, and get referred for further eye care when necessary.
The findings are clear. Children with visual impairment face persistent gaps in school enrolment, primary completion, literacy and learning. At the same time, school eye health programmes are comparatively inexpensive to deliver and can generate strong returns.
These programmes typically include three core elements: vision screening at school, comprehensive eye examinations and referrals where needed, and delivery of eyeglasses. Yet coverage remains extremely low. In the francophone African countries examined in the report, only 4.8% of Grade 2 students and 7.3% of Grade 6 students were estimated to have received vision screening at school.
The economic case is equally compelling. When vision screening is integrated into existing teacher training and other efficiencies are achieved, costs can approach around US$1 per child screened. The study estimates benefit-cost ratios of 3.8 to 9.8 in Cambodia and Ghana, with even higher potential returns in countries where poor vision is more prevalent.
The evidence on what works is already well established. The next challenge is scale.
Through First Grade, First Glasses, EYElliance works with governments and partners to integrate vision screening and eyeglasses into national education systems. This moves school eye health beyond one-off projects towards ongoing, government-led delivery that can reach all children who need glasses.
For governments looking for practical, affordable ways to strengthen inclusive education, school eye health is a smart investment.
Read the full study: School Eye Health Programs: An Investment Case.
