Vision is a precious sense that many of us may take for granted. However, across the globe, vision loss affects people of all ages. Startling statistics reveal that at least 2.2 billion people worldwide live with near or distant vision impairment. The concerning part is that at least 1 billion of these cases could have been prevented or easily addressed with the help of spectacles or cataract surgery. To make matters even more impactful, vision impairment carries a significant financial burden, with an estimated loss of $411 billion in workplace productivity due to poor vision.
In an effort to draw attention to the global issue of blindness and vision impairment, World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a free app called “WHOeyes” to help the public check their vision and learn how to protect their eyes.
The WHOeyes app serves as a tool to assess visual acuity, a measure of how well the eye can distinguish shapes and details at various distances. This measure is crucial in determining if someone has a vision impairment, as many people may be unaware of their vision problems. Regular vision checks are essential to identifying vision impairment as early as possible and taking action to preserve eyesight.
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It’s important to note that while the WHOeyes app can be a valuable self-assessment tool, it doesn’t replace the need for regular eye checks by a qualified eye care professional. Its primary goal is to encourage individuals to seek professional eye care services if they suspect they have vision issues.
Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases, emphasized the significance of the WHOeyes app: “The WHOeyes app can help people quickly and easily identify potential vision issues that merit further checking by a qualified professional. We decided to share this simple eye test and quick tips for eye care on an app, as people use their phones daily, and many people are unaware that they have a vision problem until it is too late.”
The WHOeyes app is available in all six United Nations languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. It can be downloaded for free from both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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