Eye tests could boost lifetime earnings of Kenyan children by 125%

A simple eye test and a pair of corrective glasses could increase the lifetime earnings of a Kenyan child by 125 per cent, highlighting the economic value of investing in children’s eye health.

Research by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) shows that uncorrected refractive error (URE) including short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism is a major cause of vision impairment among Kenyan children.

The condition contributes to an estimated 24,959 years of lost schooling annually in Kenya. IAPB data shows that a five-year-old child whose vision is corrected and who continues wearing glasses through primary school could earn about 125 per cent more over their lifetime than a child whose vision remains uncorrected.

Poor vision also affects classroom performance, with children experiencing uncorrected vision impairment learning approximately half as much as classmates with good or corrected vision.

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

He urged governments to ensure every child has access to eye tests and quality glasses, particularly where families cannot afford the services.

Sumrana Yasmin, Technical Director for Inclusive Health at Sightsavers, said investing in child eye care goes beyond preventing vision loss.

“Every child deserves the chance to see, learn and thrive, and supporting child eye care is a smart decision. Eye tests and glasses can help unlock children’s potential and ensure no child is left behind,” she said,

IAPB has launched its “Love Your Eyes” back-to-school campaign, providing schools with materials for assemblies, classroom activities and information for parents and caregivers.

The campaign seeks to encourage routine eye tests as children return to school and promote early detection and correction of vision problems.

IAPB says expanding access to eye screening and glasses could deliver significant educational and economic benefits for Kenya.