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Thursday, October 9, 2025
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World Sight Day 2025: Investing in Eye Health Could Bring USD 31.2 Million Benefit to Laos Over the Next Five Years

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A recent study revealed that an investment of USD 2.12 million in eye health could generate USD 31.2 million in economic benefits for Laos over the next five years.

According to the Value of Vision report, investing in eye health provides some of the highest economic and social returns for communities in Laos. The study finds that early detection and treatment of vision loss could generate USD 17 million in productivity gains, USD 6.9 million from increased employment, 3,070 additional years of schooling, and USD 2.98 million in savings from reduced caregiving needs.

Economic benefits: The Value of Vision report shows that investing in eye health delivers significant economic and social returns for communities in Laos. Early detection and treatment of vision loss can boost productivity, increase employment, extend years of schooling, and reduce the need for caregiving. (Photo credit: International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness)

Achieving these gains would require an additional USD 2.12 million over five years, beginning at USD 150,838 in 2026 and increasing to USD 657,587 by 2030.

The Value of Vision report was launched to mark World Sight Day 2025, observed annually on the second Thursday of October to raise global awareness on the importance of good vision for all.

The global report identifies six priority areas for eye health in Laos: early community screening, providing glasses on-the-spot, strengthening the eye health workforce, boosting eye surgery capacity, removing barriers such as transport, cost, and stigma, and improving cataract surgery quality.

Khampasong Siharath, Country Manager of The Fred Hollows Foundation Laos, said more than 90 percent of vision loss is preventable or treatable. 

“Interventions to restore sight are simple and within reach but we need more investment to realise these gains,” he said.

“This World Sight Day, we urge governments, businesses, schools, and families to make eye health a priority. By investing in vision, we invest in our future, ” International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Chief Executive Peter Holland added.

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