National Academies report calls for action to eliminate avoidable vision impairment

The number of Americans with uncorrectable vision impairment could double by 2050 unless efforts are made to slow the progression and severity of many common age-related eye diseases and conditions, according to a report released today by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The report recommends that the Secretary of Health and Human Services issue a call to action to eliminate correctable and avoidable vision impairment by 2030; delay the onset and progression of unavoidable chronic eye diseases and conditions; minimize the impact of chronic vision impairment; and achieve eye and vision health equity by improving care in underserved populations. It also calls for a public awareness campaign and surveillance system for eye and vision health; common research agenda and coordinated research and demonstration grant programs; single set of evidence-based clinical and rehabilitation practice guidelines; and state and local partnerships to align public health and clinical practice objectives and strategies; among other actions.