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We’re proud to share the newly released “Value of Vision: The Case for Investing in Eye Health”, a report developed by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the Seva Foundation, and The Fred Hollows Foundation.
EYElliance’s Managing Director of Government Delivery, Maggie Dawson, was among the select group of technical advisors contributing insights to this landmark effort. EYElliance provided costing data and field insights from our government delivery strategy and our work with local low-cost optical entrepreneurs, helping to fill key evidence gaps. These contributions ensured the report reflects the real-world economics of delivering affordable eyeglasses at scale.
Read the full report here.
Why This Report Matters
Analysis shows that investing in eye health, including scaling access to eyeglasses, is one of the best buys in global health, delivering an estimated $28 return for every $1 invested.
Building on the 2021 Lancet Global Commission on Eye Health estimate of roughly $410 billion in annual productivity losses, the new Value of Vision Investment Case expands the scope even further. In addition to productivity and employment gains, it captures the wider benefits of improved learning outcomes, caregiver productivity, mental health, road safety, and longevity.
When these broader benefit domains are included, fully addressing avoidable vision impairment in low- and middle-income countries could unlock up to $447 billion in annual economic gains.
Recognizing Local Entrepreneurs Driving Change
The Value of Vision report also underscores a growing truth: local entrepreneurship is a critical pathway to reaching millions with affordable eyeglasses.
At EYElliance, we’re especially glad to see this recognition gaining broader visibility—it’s work we’ve been deeply committed to advancing for years.
Through our Optical Enterprise Growth Hub, we’re co-designing a platform with a group of first movers in low-cost optical in Africa. Over the past two years, we’ve collaborated closely with Wazi Vision, Rafiki Opticians, Kelzmo Eyecare, and Ntombi Zitha Optometrist to better understand their growth ambitions—and the operational and systemic barriers that are slowing them down.
We’re deeply grateful for their generosity of time and insights, and for their willingness to share information that helped strengthen this report. Their experiences demonstrate the critical role of entrepreneurs in expanding access to vision care—and in ensuring that affordable eyeglasses reach the last mile.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
The Value of Vision report reinforces what we at EYElliance have long believed: that investing in eye health unlocks human potential, strengthens economies, and builds more equitable systems.
Whether through government-led programs or entrepreneurial innovation, scaling access to eyeglasses and vision care is one of the simplest, most effective ways to improve lives, and livelihoods, around the world.
We extend our appreciation to Brad Wong, Jude Stern, and Jack Hennessy for their leadership on this critical work.
