Eye health is one of the least prioritized public health problems as compared to other health issues globally. As per the estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), about 285 million people are visually impaired. It clearly states in its’ Global Action Plan (2014-19) that if refractive error services and cataract treatment are provided on priority basis, about two-thirds of the visually impaired population will recover good sight. More than 90 percent of visually impaired people live in developing countries, where the health sector is constrained by lack of affordable and accessible infrastructure.
Vision 2020, a joint programme of the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) with an international membership of NGOs, professional associations, eye care institutions and corporations, clearly advocates the need to improve awareness and strengthen the national programmes on eye health.