PREVENTABLE BLINDNESS AND VISION LOSS IN CANADA
THE CRISIS IS
GROWING
NEW UPDATES!
75% of Vision Loss Cases in Canada Are Preventable
Canadians are going blind or losing vision despite the fact that we have the medicine and resources to treat them. 1
Over 6000 people have already taken action!
2021 Update
The Impact of
COVID-19
1.2 MILLION
Canadians currently living with vision loss
1.8 MILLION
The estimated number of missed optometrist visits in 2021 compared to 2019
8 MILLION
The population of Canadians living with an eye disease that can lead to blindness. 7
$56 BILLION
The expected Cost of Vision and Blindness in Canada by 2050.
Vision Loss Costs
Canadians
$32.9 Billion
75%
OF PEOPLE CAN PREVENT BLINDNESS IF DIAGNOSED EARLY
We need simple, equitable solutions for all Canadians, with a special focus on youth, the elderly, and other at-risk populations. Together, we can reduce our economic burden and save the sight of countless Canadians.
$9.5 BILLION
IS SPENT ON DIRECT HEALTH COSTS EVERY YEAR
This includes the costs of hospital visits, day surgeries, and services provided by ophthalmologists, optometrists or opticians, pharmaceuticals, eyewear, and other health system expenditures.
$17.4 BILLION:
THE COST OF CANADIANS’ WELL-BEING
Including out of pocket expenses on elder and disability care, personal aides, equipment and home modifications. This has profound implications for individuals, communities, the economy, and our healthcare system.
$6 BILLION
SPENT EVERY YEAR ON INDIRECT HEALTH COSTS AND LOST PRODUCTIVITY
Due to reduced workforce participation and productivity, additional time off work due to illness and caretaking, loss of future earnings due to premature mortality and loss of caregivers’ income.
JOIN US
Join Our Community of Passionate Supporters Who Are Committed to Ending Preventable Blindness in Canada.
WE’RE CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT TO COMMIT TO A VISION HEALTH PLAN
Making eye health and rehabilitation services a population health priority requires meaningful federal support that includes:
INCREASED RESEARCH FUNDING
PRIORITIZE EQUITABLE VISION HEALTH FOR ALL CANADIANS
ENHANCED ACCESS TO CARE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND PRIORITY POPULATIONS
REQUIRE A CONSISTENT AND RELIABLE SUPPLY OF MEDICATION TO TREAT EYE DISEASE AND CONDITIONS
AN EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGY SUPPORTED BY A VISION DESK
FUNDING FOR EYE AND VISION EDUCATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
Make Equitable Vision Health for All Canadians a Priority
FOR A NATIONAL EYE CARE STRATEGY
READ THE REPORTS
A REPORT CARD ON VISION HEALTH IN CANADA
- Part 1 – The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Vision Health In Canada 2021
- Part 2 – The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Canadians Who Are Blind Deaf-blind Or Partially-sighted 2022
PREVIOUS REPORTS
Thank you to our partners
Learn more about the organizations whose generous support have made this report possible
SOURCE: 1 A Report Card on Vision Health in Canada: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Vision Health in Canada 2021. October 2022
SOURCE: 2 Felfeli T, Ximenes R, Naimark DMJ, Hooper PL, Campbell RJ, El-Defrawy SR, Sander B. The ophthalmic surgical backlog associated with the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based and microsimulation modelling study. CMAJ Open. 2021 Nov 23;9(4):E1063-E1072. doi: 10.9778/cmajo.20210145. PMID: 34815262; PMCID: PMC8612655.
SOURCE: 7 Deloitte. Canadian Council of The Blind. The cost of vision loss and blindness in Canada. May 2021
