• It’s good that a few members appreciate this serious health issue. The state of the world’s eye health is not good and likely to get worse. The increasing population, with a higher proportion of older and obese people, more diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts are the main factors. Until recently “ neglected “ tropical diseases such as trachoma, and paradoxically also malnutrition, are others. It’s been estimated that up to 100 children lose their sight every week in the Philippines, at least half being treatable or preventable. Few if any will go blind from cataracts in the UK – not so in the Philippines.
• The World Health Organization ( WHO ) estimates that 285 million people in the world are blind or have a severely disabling visual impairment, and many of these simply cannot access a pair of spectacles, no laughing matter.
• The point of this thread is to draw attention to a health issue that should be a major concern to all. Those who can afford eye tests and treatment if needed should be grateful and think about how we may help others.
