On World Sight Day 2025, IAPB Report Reveals ₹3.6 Lakh Cr Annual Gain If India Prioritises Eye Health

Backed by Seva Foundation and Fred Hollows Foundation, the report urges urgent investment in school eye tests, cataract care, and glasses distribution

On the occasion of World Sight Day 2025, a landmark report by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), supported by the Seva Foundation and the Fred Hollows Foundation, revealed that India could unlock a staggering ₹3.6 lakh crore annually by prioritising cost-effective eye care interventions.

The report, titled Value of Vision, was launched at the United Nations General Assembly and presents a compelling case for investment in basic eye health infrastructure. It emphasises that interventions such as school eye tests, on-the-spot reading glasses, and improved cataract care could transform millions of lives while delivering one of the highest returns on investment in public health. For every ₹1 invested, India could receive ₹16 in economic return.

The findings are grounded in India-specific data showing a potential ₹2.27 lakh crore boost in occupational productivity, ₹78,700 crore from increased employment, and ₹40,800 crore in averted caregiving costs. The education sector also stands to benefit with gains equivalent to 9.6 lakh additional years of schooling.
India is home to over 70 crore people living with avoidable sight loss, a condition that severely impacts employment, education, mental health, and quality of life. The new data places eye health at the centre of inclusive growth, calling for early detection through community screenings, expanded access to reading glasses, enhanced surgical productivity, and systematic cataract care.

Elizabeth Kurian, Chief Functionary and Trustee of Mission for Vision, India, said,
Investing in vision is not just charity; it is smart economics. We see every day how a pair of glasses or a simple cataract surgery restores livelihoods and uplifts families. For India’s growth and equity to be sustained, eye health must move to the core of national policy.
The report also highlights stories like that of Tula Ughada, a 19-year-old from Phangulgavhan, Maharashtra. Living with polio and poor vision, Tula was forced to drop out of college. After receiving a pair of glasses at a local eye camp, he resumed his studies, secured employment, and now lives a fulfilling life with his family.

Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, reinforced the urgency:
Sight loss affects every aspect of life. But the solutions are clear and affordable. On this World Sight Day, we call on schools, governments, and businesses to act decisively and invest in vision for a stronger future.
With over 1 billion people globally suffering from preventable vision loss, the call to “Love Your Eyes” this World Sight Day is more than symbolic. It is a call to action rooted in hard data, human potential, and the opportunity to build a more productive and compassionate world.

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