Available data indicates that about 37 million people are visually impaired in the Region, of whom 5.3 million people are blind; 15 million suffer from low vision and 16 million from refractive errors. The burden of blindness lies mainly in countries with large populations and poor communities, causing a huge economic burden to families and communities; 80% of these cases are avoidable, treatable or curable with simple cost-effective interventions.

In order to scale up the prevention of blindness activities in the Region, WHO Regional Office is working closely with Member States in the Region, partners and collaborating centres to develop strategies for eye health/prevention of blindness and visual impairment.