Countdown to 2020
Projections suggest that the number of New Zealanders with vision loss will rise from 125,000 in 2009 to almost 174,000 by 2020. The number who are blind is projected to rise from 12,000 in 2009 to more than 18,000 in 2020. Vision loss comes with a substantial cost to the individual and society, both in direct economic terms and in quality of life.
Most vision loss is correctable, preventable or treatable.
Together with other countries, New Zealand has pledged to eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020 through the global initiative, VISION 2020: The Right to Sight. Since 2002, New Zealand has been committed to VISION 2020 ideals. In 2009 New Zealand was a member of the WHO Executive Board that voted to further advance VISION 2020 in member countries.
With less than 10 years to go for this collaborative effort, the Government and the sector need to make the elimination of avoidable blindness a priority, build on existing services and work in partnership. An action plan to minimise avoidable blindness and vision loss is needed, together with strategies to remove the barriers to full participation in the community for people with little or no sight.
VISION 2020 New Zealand recommends that Government takes strong and immediate action on the recommendations raised in this report. It is time to turn humane precept into practice.
This page is part of the overview report Clear Focus: The economic impact of vision loss in New Zealand in 2009.
