Opinion: Tackling the poor vision crisis requires more research

Astronaut Neil Armstrong once wrote, “The search for knowledge is what brought men to the moon; but it took knowledge already acquired to make it possible to get there.” How we use the knowledge we gain determines our progress on Earth, in space, or on the moon. 

Armstrong’s focus on the search for the newest evidence and data, while simultaneously using existing evidence to make his journey into space, is a perspective we must consider as we look to address crises in public health — specifically the elimination of uncorrected poor vision. 

A recent series of global events and decisions has thrust poor vision into the center stage of the global public health agenda in a positive way. In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly passed the first resolution — “Vision for Everyone: accelerating action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” — that commits the international community to provide eye health for 1.1 billion people living with preventable sight loss by 2030. In addition, the 74th World Health Assembly passed a resolution calling for a 40% increase in effective coverage to address refractive services.  

Previously, at the end of 2019, two landmark reports drew attention to global data and effective strategies for eye care. The World Health Organization’s World Report on Vision evidenced the magnitude of eye conditions globally, and a report by EssilorLuxottica, “Eliminating Poor Vision in a Generation,” defined the global scale of uncorrected poor vision and outlined a road map to eliminate the issue by 2050.  

 Why we must prioritize vision research

Without evidence and research on the impacts of poor vision, we would not have reached the inflection point that required us to prioritize uncorrected vision as a public health issue. 

Many of us have worked to ensure these outcomes for a significant portion of our careers, whether through an NGO, government, professional association, or the private sector. But as these advocacy successes are realized, we must continue filling the research gaps that will sustain the momentum needed to accomplish goals set for 2030 and beyond. We must identify and complete research that will translate into action to ensure a future of good education, safer roads, equity for women and girls, and greater worker productivity — all issues reliant on the delivery of good vision for all.  

We must consider the relevance of prioritizing vision research at this time. The “Eliminating Poor Vision in a Generation” report outlines that as of 2018, 2.7 billion people globally are living with uncorrected poor vision. Eighty percent of these vision problems can be solved by solutions that exist today — the fact that the need exists is a foregone conclusion. And it is not going away.  

Clinical data provides evidence that lifestyle, and not simply genetic factors, plays a critical role in this burgeoning public health epidemic. The moment in which we live can be a catalyst for pivotal research for change. In fact, there may have never been another time in the history of eye care when research could have a greater or more needed impact than now. There are several reasons why:

1. When it comes to access, hit-or-miss action is not an option. Organizations in both the private and public sectors have limited money, time, and resources and require a targeted evidence-based approach to create global and national strategies that meet populations’ needs. With good vision as a key component to meeting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, we don’t have either time or money to waste.  

2. Understandably, mistrust and misinformation in all spheres are at an all-time high. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the lightning-fast spread of misinformation. We can only address these challenges through the one-voice approach that well-curated data provides.

3. Evidence is essential for advocacy. Research ensures the sector speaks with a common voice and strengthens our requests of policymakers. The adoption of the previously referenced U.N. and WHA resolutions that establish ambitious global targets for 2030 was informed by research. While these are most certainly positive developments, measuring success will only be possible if consistent baseline, service delivery and impact data are gathered and analyzed. By using the knowledge we gain, we can ultimately measure progress.  

4. The COVID-19 pandemic affected health care delivery. As a result, tele-optometry strengthened and emerged as a truly viable access point for the delivery of eye care services. Future research must assess the long-term effectiveness of this approach and identify models of integration into existing services in the future.

5. The pandemic also magnified the burgeoning trend of myopia, or nearsightedness. Studies are already measuring the pandemic’s impact on these numbers. A systematic review of studies published between 2019 and 2022 shows that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the behaviors of children drastically, due to the shift from in-person education to online schooling and decreased outdoor activities. As researchers in the review said, “These changes are new to us, and we have not experienced anything like this in over 100 years.” 

The evidence needed for eliminating poor vision

Existing research brought us to this point. But what evidence will be needed to address poor vision in the next 100 years?

We must continue monitoring the ever-increasing myopia epidemic that moves more quickly than expected, given the ubiquitous nature of screen devices globally, regardless of economic status. We must demand more robust data to support the eye health needs of all populations while ensuring those historically underserved — women, the elderly, those of lower socioeconomic status, refugees and people who are internally displaced, and those in remote locations — are met. We must demand evidence that supports generating quality eye care without causing financial hardship to persons and countries alike.

As the world continues to evolve, the evidence must also follow. Gaps exist and must be filled, not only for the good of vision care but the good of society as a whole. I’m confident in the future of vision research and the impact it can have on broader issues. Prioritizing vision care on a global leadership level has the power to significantly influence many of the SDGs that drive quality and longevity of life for individuals and societies. When communities see well, the impact is clear — economic productivity improves, children can see well to learn, drivers are safer on the roads, and women in many places have a more equitable opportunity for success.

In our work, we know that evidence empowers change-makers charged with making a difference in the lives of their communities and societies. We must consider research part of our greater investment strategy, as an investment in awareness, advocacy, and strengthening of public health systems — an investment in a future where uncorrected poor vision is truly eliminated.

The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation is a registered charitable organization, reflecting the commitment and values of EssilorLuxottica to help eliminate uncorrected poor vision in a generation. The foundation creates sustainable access through an innovative approach to impact philanthropy, partnerships and raising awareness. Visit https://onesight.essilorluxottica.com/ for more information.