Vision 2020: The Right to sight - Epidemiology

What is Vision 2020: The Right to Sight?

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight is a global initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in 1999. The goal of this initiative is to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. The program aims to address the major causes of avoidable blindness, which include cataracts, trachoma, onchocerciasis, childhood blindness, and refractive errors.

What is the Epidemiological Importance of Vision 2020?

From an epidemiological perspective, Vision 2020 is significant because it targets the burden of blindness and visual impairment, which are prevalent public health issues. Approximately 80% of global blindness is avoidable, either preventable or treatable. By focusing on the major causes of blindness, Vision 2020 aims to reduce the incidence and prevalence of these conditions, improving the quality of life and productivity of millions of people.

How Does Vision 2020 Address the Root Causes of Blindness?

Vision 2020 employs a multifaceted approach to tackle the root causes of blindness. This includes increasing access to eye care services, enhancing public health education, improving disease surveillance, and developing human resources in the field of ophthalmology. By implementing these strategies, the initiative aims to create sustainable and equitable eye care systems globally.

What Are the Key Strategies of Vision 2020?

The key strategies of Vision 2020 include the following:

Disease Control: Implementing measures to control the major causes of blindness.
Human Resource Development: Training eye care professionals to meet the needs of populations.
Infrastructure Development: Enhancing the capacity of eye care facilities and ensuring the availability of essential supplies and medications.
Advocacy: Raising awareness among policymakers and the general public about the importance of eye health.

What Are the Epidemiological Challenges in Implementing Vision 2020?

There are several epidemiological challenges in implementing Vision 2020. These include the lack of accurate data on the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, limited resources in low-income countries, and disparities in access to eye care services. Additionally, there is a need for robust health information systems to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

What Has Been the Impact of Vision 2020 So Far?

Since its inception, Vision 2020 has made significant strides in reducing the global burden of blindness. There has been a notable increase in the number of cataract surgeries performed, improved access to refractive error correction, and the elimination of onchocerciasis in several regions. However, challenges remain, and continued efforts are necessary to ensure that the gains made are sustained and expanded.

What is the Future of Vision 2020 and Global Eye Health?

As we move beyond the year 2020, the principles and goals of Vision 2020 continue to guide global eye health initiatives. The WHO and IAPB have launched the World Report on Vision, which outlines a comprehensive strategy for improving eye health globally. The focus is now on integrating eye care into universal health coverage, ensuring that eye health services are accessible, affordable, and of high quality for all individuals.