Kenya Could Gain Billions Through Better Eye Health, Report Reveals
Kenya stands to gain more than KSh 33 billion every year by investing in simple, cost-effective eye health interventions such as school eye tests and on-the-spot reading glasses, new research reveals.
Released to mark World Sight Day 2025 (October 9), the data shows that improving access to vision care could deliver a tenfold return on investment — for every KSh 130 invested, Kenya could gain KSh 1,300 in economic returns.
Eye health: one of Kenya’s smartest investments
The global Value of Vision report, developed by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in partnership with the Seva Foundation and The Fred Hollows Foundation, highlights the tremendous social and economic impact of tackling avoidable sight loss.
“Sight loss is a truly universal problem that impacts every part of our lives,” says Peter Holland, CEO of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
He notes that while the challenge is widespread, most cases are preventable through simple and affordable solutions such as eye tests, glasses, and improved cataract surgery.
The data shows that a KSh 3.3 billion investment in eye health could generate over KSh 33 billion annually, including:
- KSh 19.7 billion in improved productivity
- KSh 5.3 billion from increased employment
- KSh 3.3 billion in averted caregiving costs
- The equivalent of 8,628 extra years of schooling for Kenyan children
Currently, about 7.5 million Kenyans live with avoidable sight loss, which affects their education, income, and wellbeing — and often places an additional burden on women who act as caregivers.
Simple solutions with lasting impact
The report identifies six priority areas for governments to reduce sight loss:
- Early detection through community vision screenings
- Providing reading glasses on the spot where needed
- Expanding the eye health workforce
- Increasing surgical productivity
- Removing access barriers such as cost and distance
- Enhancing cataract surgery outcomes through better training and care standards
Speaking on the findings, Senator Crystal Asige, Secretary General of the Kenya Disabled Parliamentarians Association, emphasizes the need for action:
“We often take our sight for granted, but it’s a gateway to everything — from education to earning a living. The research is clear: investing in eye health brings significant returns for our country. By providing vision screenings in schools and distributing reading glasses, we can unlock a healthier, more productive future for all Kenyans.”
Victor Opiyo, President of the Optometrists Association of Kenya (OAK), adds, “The solutions to sight loss are simple, affordable, and life-changing. With the right investment, we can restore vision for millions and unlock billions for our economy. Eye health is not a luxury — it’s essential to education, productivity, and dignity.”
About the research
The Value of Vision report analysed data from 255 million people in low and middle-income countries, modelling the economic and social benefits of improved vision across different age groups. The data released to coincide with World Sight Day highlights the potential for targeted eye health investments to improve lives and strengthen the economy.
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) brings together nearly 300 organisations across more than 100 countries, advocating for accessible, affordable eye care for all.
Victor Opiyo, the Secretary General of the African Council of Optometry, has been instrumental in advancing eye health services and professional standards in Kenya and across Africa.
Love Your Eyes campaign
This year’s World Sight Day campaign (Love Your Eyes) calls on everyone to book an eye test and take proactive steps toward protecting their vision. By prioritising eye health, Kenyans can safeguard not only their sight but also their nation’s economic and social well-being.
Holland’s message sums it best: “By investing in vision, we invest in our future.”
READ ALSO: https://parentsafrica.com/optometrists-empower-mukurus-children-with-free-eye-care-on-world-sight-day/
