Vision 2020 Australia’s submission focuses on the important role eye health and vision care programs have played in delivering the strategic outcomes of Australia’s aid budget in the Indo-Pacific, which has delivered profoundly positive impacts for individuals and partner countries.
Vision impairment is both a cause and consequence of poverty. There are direct links between vision impairment and lack of access to opportunities (such as education, employment, and social inclusion) and to basic needs (such as health services, good nutrition, safe housing and clean water and sanitation). Globally, 89% of people with vision impairment live in low and middle income countries, and eye health and vision care are important factors in working towards poverty alleviation.
Vision 2020 Australia welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade inquiry into the strategic effectiveness and outcomes of Australia’s aid program in the Indo-Pacific and its role in supporting our regional interests. Our submission focuses on five of the nine Terms of Reference that are most relevant for the eye health and vision care sector.