Everyone can speak out about the need to treat poor eyesight. Leaders in the vision field in particular have the knowledge, access and influence to make this issue part of the global conversation. Whether addressing conferences or publishing their work in professional journals, they are at the forefront of our movement. We support them with visual tools — data-based stories about the consequences of impaired vision — a database of peer-reviewed research and assistance from our community manager.

Improving the global response to poor vision depends on better understanding its causes and consequences. We believe that the best way to encourage new research in this field is to clearly show the methodologies used and results found in existing studies. We highlight gaps in knowledge to reveal exciting new opportunities for research into unexplored subjects and geographical areas.

To treat poor vision, we must first find those susceptible to it or struggling with it. Eye screenings are often used to check for visual impairment, but an examination by an eyecare professional is recommended for young children. Cost-effective treatments, like eyeglasses with corrective lenses, are available for most forms of visual impairment. Innovative approaches such as self-screening in schools and workplaces help to broaden the reach of eye health initiatives, with benefits for societies and economies alike.

Vision economics demonstrates the impact of impaired vision on societies and their economies. All are affected, however well they see. But members of the public will only respond personally to this problem if they understand its consequences for each of them. To win commitment, we must make the stakes clear. Governments and health officials, academics and researchers, NGOs, medical professionals, journalists and the private sector can all play a part in explaining the need for a robust response — and taking that response from planning to implementation.