On World Sight Day, the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) highlights the importance of eye health and puts forward proposals to European governments on how to strengthen it. At the same time, ECOO is inviting government representatives to attend the sector’s first-ever global summit.
This year, World Sight Day takes place on 8 October. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of good vision and eye health, as well as opportunities to prevent vision loss.
This year’s #LoveYourEyes theme emphasizes that eye health services should be accessible to everyone. The theme also highlights that access to eye examinations and timely treatment should not depend on where a person lives or their financial circumstances.
On the occasion of World Sight Day, the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) has raised the question of whether eye health receives sufficient attention in public health policy. ECOO is proposing concrete actions for European governments and is inviting their representatives to the Global Summit for Eye Health, which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda on 2 November 2026. The event will be the first global summit dedicated to eye health.
Eye diseases are becoming more common – the need for eye examinations is growing
In Europe, vision impairment or blindness already affects approximately 90 million people. Eye diseases are common, and conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are expected to become significantly more prevalent. High myopia, which increases the risk of eye disease, is also projected to become more common.
ECOO points out that many eye diseases progress without symptoms in their early stages and may cause permanent damage. These conditions can be detected early through regular eye examinations, but in most European countries such examinations are not funded as part of national healthcare systems. As a result, opportunities for the early detection and prevention of eye diseases vary according to where people live and their financial circumstances.
ECOO’s proposals for national action
European governments have already committed to several global eye health objectives. In 2021, all UN Member States supported the Vision for Everyone resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, recognising investment in eye health and vision care as part of universal access to healthcare services.
According to the Value of Vision report published in September 2025, investing in eye health benefits both individuals and national economies through improved productivity and quality of life. The report estimates that every dollar invested in eye health generates a return of 28 dollars.
The European Union can promote the sharing of best practices in healthcare and keep eye health on the political agenda. However, decisions concerning eye health services are ultimately made at the national level. ECOO therefore proposes three measures to European governments to strengthen vision care and eye health services:
- Strengthen the role of optometrists as primary eye care professionals. ECOO also recommends developing care pathways so that eye symptoms and potential diseases can be identified as early as possible.
- Include regular eye examinations within publicly funded national healthcare systems. In line with international commitments, such examinations should be available to everyone regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.
- Develop a national eye health strategy and present it at the Global Summit for Eye Health on 2 November 2026.
Attachment: Infographic produced by the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO).
