Eye tests, glasses could double lifetime earnings for Kenyan children

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 27 – A simple eye test and corrective glasses could significantly improve the education and future earning potential of Kenyan children, according to new research on childhood vision.

The findings by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) show that uncorrected refractive error (URE) is the leading cause of vision impairment among children in Kenya.

URE includes short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, which can cause blurred or uneven vision.

The condition is estimated to result in 24,959 cumulative years of lost schooling in Kenya every year, with affected children learning about half as much in a year as classmates with good vision.

The IAPB says identifying and correcting URE at around age five with quality glasses could increase a child’s lifetime earnings in Kenya by up to 125 percent.

The findings are part of a global study covering 23 countries where correcting childhood vision problems could potentially double lifetime earnings.

The organisation is urging parents to prioritise eye tests as children return to school, particularly where there are signs of difficulty seeing the board, reading or concentrating in class.

“A simple eye test and glasses could be one of the best investments a parent can make for their child’s future,” said IAPB CEO Peter Holland.

“We recognise it may not be possible for some parents to arrange and afford eye tests and glasses, which is why we urge governments to ensure every child has access to sight tests and glasses.”

The IAPB has launched a Love Your Eyes back-to-school campaign to raise awareness of children’s eye health. The campaign includes materials for school assemblies, classroom activities and information for children to share with parents and caregivers.

Sightsavers Technical Director for Inclusive Health Sumrana Yasmin said improving access to eye care could help children learn and reach their potential.

“Every child deserves the chance to see, learn and thrive, and supporting child eye care is a smart decision,” Yasmin said.

The campaign comes ahead of the first Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled for November 2 in Antigua and Barbuda, where governments and partners are expected to make commitments on improving access to eye care services.

IAPB brings together more than 250 organisations working in over 100 countries to improve access to eye health services.