Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment in child and adult populations. Globally, it is estimated that only 36% of people with a distance vision impairment due to refractive error have received access to an appropriate pair of spectacles, while more than 800 million people have a near vision impairment (i.e. presbyopia) that could be addressed with a pair of reading spectacles.
In recognition of the large unmet need for care, coupled with the fact a highly cost-effective intervention exists (i.e. spectacles), WHO Member States endorsed the first-ever global target for refractive target for refractive error at the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly (2021). Specifically, the global target is a 40 percentage point increase in effective coverage of refractive error by 2030.
To support Member States with the achievement of the global target, WHO is launching the SPECS 2030 initiative.
Participation: By invitation.
