WHO SPECS 2030 Initiative: the impact of a simple pair of spectacles

In a world built on the ability to see, vision, the most dominant of our senses, is vital at every turn of our lives. The schoolboy and schoolgirl depend on vision to walk to school, read and learn; the young woman and man to participate in the workforce; and the older population, to maintain their independence. 

Uncorrected refractive error remains the leading cause of vision impairment in children and adults. Over 800 million people globally have a vision impairment that could be corrected with a simple pair of spectacles. The provision of affordable and accessible refractive error services has the power to unlock opportunities and empower individuals to reach their full potential. 

The WHO SPECS 2030 initiative aims to support Member States to sustainably increase access to quality refractive error services, including spectacles.