Research

Seeing beyond 2020: what next for refractive error care?

This issue focuses on the state of eye health globally, particularly regarding refractive error, against the backdrop of recent milestones in the field. These milestones include the publication of the 2019 World Report on Vision by the World Health Organization (WHO), the culmination of the Vision 2020 initiative in 2020, and the Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health in 2021. While these achievements reflect progress in eye health, the COVID-19 pandemic has also posed challenges to eye care delivery worldwide. The articles in this issue highlight the significance of refractive error as a cause of vision impairment, with millions affected by uncorrected refractive error, majorly myopia. The issue discusses various aspects of refractive error care, from screening and assessment of children to the impact of myopia on ocular health. It emphasizes the need for early intervention, a well-trained workforce, and accessible, affordable, and high-quality correction services. Furthermore, the issue underscores the importance of diverse leadership in the eye health sector and the role of the private sector in ensuring equitable access to eye care. Overall, the articles call for a collaborative global response to advance refractive error care and achieve the goal of leaving no one behind.

Publication date

April 8, 2021

Publication

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics

Authors

Jacqueline Ramke, Nicola S Logan
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