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VHI IMPACT
Globally, more than 2.2 billion people live with vision impairment, and at least 1 billion cases could have been prevented or remain unaddressed. The leading causes—refractive errors and cataracts—are both treatable, yet millions still lack access to care. Vision loss disproportionately affects people over 50 and those in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to poverty and costing the world an estimated US $411 billion in lost productivity each year.
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VHI works to change that reality. Through strong partnerships with local organizations and eye care providers, we deliver sight-restoring surgeries, essential exams, and training that build sustainable systems of care—both internationally and in the U.S.
100+
FIELD PROGRAMS
50,000+
EYE EXAMINATIONS
7,000+
LIFE-ALTERING OPERATIONS
40,000
EYE GLASSES & PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Partnered with 40 communities worldwide to build local capacity
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Countries
where we've served
Over the last forty years, VHI has served in countries around the world.
Impact of Vision Impairement
Vision impairment has profound personal and economic impacts across the life course. In children, early-onset severe vision loss can delay motor, language, social, and cognitive development, while school-age children often face reduced educational achievement. Adults may experience lower employment rates and higher levels of depression and anxiety, and older adults face increased social isolation, mobility challenges, falls, and earlier entry into care facilities. Economically, vision impairment imposes a staggering global productivity loss of US $411 billion annually, far exceeding the estimated US $25 billion needed to address unmet eye-care needs.
