World First Research Shows Eye Health Investment Could Unlock KSh 33 Billion for Kenya Annually

 By Jameson Mutua 

A student from Mukuru Promotion Center undergoes an eye examination during a medical camp. New research findings show that kenya can gain significant economic benefits by investing in comprehensive eye health programs

To mark World Sight Day, new world first research reveals that implementing six simple, cost effective eye health interventions such as eye tests in schools and on the spot distribution of reading glasses could unlock an annual KSh 33 billion boost for Kenya’s economy, delivering a KSh 1,300 return for every KSh 130 invested.

The global Value of Vision report, produced by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), Seva Foundation and The Fred Hollows Foundation, was launched during the United Nations General Assembly at a high level meeting hosted by IAPB and the United Nations Friends of Vision Group.

As part of World Sight Day celebrations, the IAPB’s “Love Your Eyes” campaign released exclusive national data highlighting the economic and social benefits of prioritising eye health in Kenya, urging everyone to “love their eyes” by getting an eye test.

According to the report, approximately 7.5 million Kenyans live with avoidable sight loss. The personal and economic toll is significant, ranging from unemployment and lower educational outcomes to reduced income, increased caregiving burdens (often borne by women), mental ill health, and higher risks of injury and disease.

For Kenya, an investment of KSh 3.3 billion in eye health delivery could generate annual returns exceeding KSh 33 billion, including:

KSh 19.7 billion from improved occupational productivity

KSh 5.3 billion from increased employment opportunities

Education gains equivalent to 8,628 additional years of schooling

KSh 3.3 billion saved from reduced caregiving needs

The report identifies six priority areas for governments to address sight loss:

Early detection through community vision screenings

On the spot provision of reading glasses

Expanding the eye health workforce

Boosting surgical productivity and teamwork

Removing access barriers such as cost, distance and stigma

Enhancing cataract surgery quality through innovative training, broader biometry use and stronger post operation standards

Senator Crystal Asige, Secretary General of the Kenya Disabled Parliamentarians Association and Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities in the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association, said:

“We often take our sight for granted, but I know first hand that 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 entire country. As decision makers, we must commit to implementing proven, cost effective priorities like school vision screenings and distributing reading glasses where they are needed most. By doing so, we can ensure every Kenyan has access to the care they need, unlocking a healthier and more productive future for all.”

Victor Opiyo, President of the Optometrists Association of Kenya (OAK), added:

“This research underlines what we see every day in clinics across Kenya: the solutions to sight loss are simple, affordable and life changing. With the right investment, we can not only restore vision for millions of Kenyans but also unlock billions for our economy. Eye health is not a luxury, it is essential to education, productivity and human dignity. By prioritising vision, Kenya can ensure that no child is left behind in school, no worker loses their livelihood and no family carries an unnecessary burden of care.”

Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, emphasised:

“Sight loss is a truly universal issue that affects every part of our lives, but we have clear, affordable solutions. Most sight loss can be prevented through simple interventions like regular eye tests, glasses and improved cataract surgery. This World Sight Day, we urge everyone, from governments and businesses to schools and families, to make eye health a priority. The evidence is clear: by investing in vision, we invest in our future.”

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