Total costs in New Zealand

The total economic cost of vision loss in 2009 was approximately $2.8 billion, or $22,217 per person with vision loss aged over 40 years.

Excluding loss of wellbeing, the total cost to Government and society was $400 million, or $3,206 per person with vision loss aged over 40 years.

The estimated costs are made up of:

  • Total health system expenditure of $198 million, or $1583 per person with vision loss aged over 40 years.
  • Other financial costs of $203 million, made up of:
    - $112 million in productivity losses largely due to lower than average employment rates and premature mortality.
    - $39 million in deadweight losses from transfers and lost taxation.
    - $30 million in other indirect costs (aids, modifications, 'bring forward' of funeral costs).
    - $21 million in carer costs, reflecting the opportunity cost of informal carers' time.
  • Loss of wellbeing of $2.4 billion, including suffering and premature mortality.

Total economic cost of vision loss in 2009 (total $2.8 billion)

Pie chart. The values are: Loss of wellbeing 86%, $2.4 billion; Health 7%, $198 million; Productivity losses 4%, $112 million; Deadweight losses 1%, $39 million; Carer costs 1%, $21 million; Other indirect costs 1%, $30 million

 

In 2009, vision loss cost the New Zealand economy approximately $2.8 billion. 

 

 

This page is part of the overview report Clear Focus: The economic impact of vision loss in New Zealand in 2009.

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