Globally, it is estimated that approximately 1.3 billion people live with some form of vision impairment.
Approximately 80% of all vision impairment is considered avoidable/treatable.
Globally, the leading causes of vision impairment are uncorrected refractive errors (the need for glasses) and cataracts.
The majority of people with vision impairment are over the age of 50 years.
Low vision can contribute to:
- Delayed cognitive development and language acquisition in children
- Increased dependence on social services and mobility
- Economic burden on society, families and individuals
- Loss of independence and social networks
- Increased nursing home care dependency
- Trips and falls leading to hospitalisation
- Depression and mental illness
