Background
VISION 2020 New Zealand in collaboration with Vision 2020 Australia commissioned a report from the independent economic analysts, Access Economics Pty Limited titled Clear focus – the economic impact of vision loss in New Zealand in 2009 (Clear Focus). It complements a similar report about vision loss in Australia.
Clear Focus estimates the prevalence of mild to severe vision loss, including blindness, in the non-Māori and Māori populations. The costs of vision loss to government, industry and the New Zealand community are calculated and projected to 2020. These costs include direct costs to the health system, other direct financial costs to the New Zealand economy, and costs to individuals in loss of wellbeing.
Many New Zealanders are needlessly experiencing vision loss and blindness. By addressing uncorrected refractive error and cataract alone, more than two thirds of those with vision loss in New Zealand could have their sight restored.
Low vision and blindness rehabilitation services are critical for people with vision loss and are central to improving quality of life, access to education and employment and reducing barriers to full participation within the community.
In 2009, the New Zealand Government endorsed the World Health Assembly Action Plan for the Prevention of Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment. With less than 10 years to go, a collaborative effort by Government and the sector is needed to meet the objectives of this plan and eliminate avoidable blindness and vision loss in New Zealand by the year 2020.
This page is part of the overview report Clear Focus: The economic impact of vision loss in New Zealand in 2009.
