— $75 Million Global Vision Initiative Targets 11.5 Million People Across Six Countries
In a bold move to combat avoidable blindness and vision impairment worldwide, Bloomberg Philanthropies has launched a $75 million global Vision Initiative—a groundbreaking effort aimed at improving access to quality eye care in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria.
As part of this transformative initiative, Sightsavers, a leading international development organization with a strong footprint in Nigeria, will collaborate with the Federal Ministries of Health and Education to strengthen eye health systems, train frontline health workers and teachers, and extend vision care services to schools, workplaces, and communities across the country.
A Vision for Change in Nigeria
Under this new partnership, Sightsavers will play a pivotal role in ensuring that millions of Nigerians—especially children and underserved populations—can access the eye care they need. The initiative will focus on basic eye health screening, diagnosis, treatment, and provision of eyeglasses, while also conducting outreach programs that reach even out-of-school children and rural communities.
Globally, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Vision Initiative aims to:
- Conduct vision screenings for 11.5 million people,
- Distribute nearly seven million pairs of eyeglasses, and
- Restore sight for 250,000 people through cataract surgeries.
These interventions will take place in the United States, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria, creating a global movement toward ending avoidable vision loss and promoting equitable access to eye care.
A Wake-Up Call for Global Action on Eye Health
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ announcement comes as the world marks World Sight Day (October 9)—a day dedicated to raising awareness on preventable blindness and visual impairment. Sightsavers used the occasion to renew its call for governments, development partners, and philanthropists to prioritize eye health as a key component of sustainable development.
Globally, at least 1 billion people—one in eight—live with untreated or preventable vision impairment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet, despite its far-reaching impact on education, productivity, and well-being, vision and eye care often remain neglected in national health and development agendas.
“Making eye care a priority will be transformational for people, communities, and nations,” said Professor Joy Shua’ibu, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria. “Good eye health can reduce inequities, get more children in school, and enable more adults to work. Access to glasses and cataract surgery will boost learning and economic productivity.”
Investing in Vision, Reaping Economic Rewards
Beyond health benefits, improving eye care makes strong economic sense. According to new research by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), Seva Foundation, and Fred Hollows Foundation, addressing preventable vision impairment by 2030 could return over US$2.45 billion to Nigeria’s economy.
Eye health interventions—such as cataract surgery and corrective glasses—are among the most cost-effective health investments, with an estimated return on investment of US$28 for every dollar spent in low- and middle-income countries.
“It is estimated that prioritising vision and eye care in Nigeria could generate the equivalent of 70,641 additional school years, creating more opportunities for learning, employment, and national growth,” Prof. Shua’ibu noted.
A Human Story: Sa’id’s Journey to Clearer Vision
The true impact of these efforts can be seen through the story of Sa’id, a 12-year-old boy from Kaduna State, Nigeria. Bright and enthusiastic, Sa’id loved school but often struggled to see the chalkboard. His teachers noticed his difficulty and, thanks to a Sightsavers-supported project that trains teachers in basic eye screening, he was diagnosed with refractive error and given a pair of glasses.
“I was happy when my teacher said I had a problem with my eye,” Sa’id said, smiling. “Now, I can see clearly and read from the board. I am happy because I can see everything from afar.”
For children like Sa’id, a simple pair of glasses can mean the difference between exclusion and opportunity—between falling behind and achieving their dreams.
Tackling Inequities in Eye Health
Despite growing awareness, the right to sight remains far from universal. More than 85% of people with vision impairment live in low- and middle-income countries, and 70% of people with refractive error in Africa do not have access to the glasses they need.
Women and girls are particularly affected, accounting for over half of global cases of blindness and visual impairment. These statistics highlight the urgent need for inclusive, gender-sensitive, and affordable eye health programs that reach those most at risk.
A Global Partnership for Sustainable Vision
Prof. Shua’ibu emphasized that Sightsavers’ collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly those related to health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and poverty reduction (SDG 1).
“At Sightsavers, we are proud of our efforts to improve access to vision and eye care services, including this new partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and our ongoing collaboration with governments, donors, and NGOs,” she said.
“We hope Bloomberg Philanthropies’ investment will inspire more national and international stakeholders to make avoidable vision impairment truly avoidable.”
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies works in 700 cities across 150 countries, driving impact in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Founded by Michael R. Bloomberg, the organization invests in initiatives that improve lives, strengthen public systems, and advance equitable development. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion to global causes.
A Clearer Future in Sight
The Bloomberg Philanthropies Vision Initiative marks a turning point for millions living with untreated vision loss. With Sightsavers’ proven expertise and the Nigerian government’s collaboration, the project promises not only to restore sight but also to restore hope—empowering children to learn, adults to work, and communities to thrive.
As the world strives to achieve the SDGs, the message from this partnership is clear: vision matters—because when people can see better, they can live better.
Follow the The Qualitative Magazine channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanfIB50wajpjGi3JJ1G
