Global eye health experts are urging parents in Uganda to prioritise eye tests for their children as they prepare to return to school, with new data showing that a simple eye examination and a pair of glasses could significantly improve a child’s future earning potential.
According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment among children and results in an estimated 19,183 years of lost schooling in Uganda every year.
However, the data shows that if a vision problem is identified at the age of five and corrected with quality glasses until the age of 18, a child growing up in Uganda could see their lifetime earnings increase by as much as 137 per cent.
The IAPB has released the new findings covering 23 countries where correcting children’s vision could potentially double their lifetime earnings. The organisation is encouraging parents and caregivers to arrange routine eye tests for young children wherever possible.
The findings come as the IAPB launches its Love Your Eyes Back-to-School campaign, aimed at raising awareness about children’s eye health.
The campaign will provide materials for school assemblies, classroom activities and take-home resources that children can share with their parents and caregivers.
The IAPB’s call also comes ahead of the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled to take place in Antigua and Barbuda on 2 November, where Heads of State and development partners are expected to make commitments towards improving eye health services worldwide.
Peter Holland, CEO of the IAPB, said: “A simple eye test and glasses could be one of the best investments a parent can make for their child’s future. We recognise it may not be possible for some parents to arrange and afford eye tests and glasses, which is why we urge governments to ensure every child has access to sight tests and glasses. Every child deserves to see clearly when they start school or return for the new school term.”
Sumrana Yasmin, Technical Director for Inclusive Health at Sightsavers, said supporting children’s eye care was not only important in preventing avoidable vision loss but could also help unlock their potential and improve their future opportunities.
“Every child deserves the chance to see, learn and thrive, and supporting child eye care is a smart decision. Investing in eye tests and glasses is not only about preventing avoidable vision loss, it is also about unlocking potential, transforming lives, and ensuring no child is left behind,” she said.
Silvester Kasozi, Country Director at Light for the World Uganda, said many Ugandan children continue to struggle in the classroom because vision problems often go undetected.
“Too many Ugandan children struggle in the classroom because a vision problem goes undetected. We know that when eye problems are identified early and children receive the care they need, they can learn confidently today and contribute fully to their communities tomorrow. Investing in children’s vision is investing in Uganda’s future,” Kasozi said.
