Eye health is crucial for Asia Pacific’s economic and social future

Across Asia Pacific, millions are at risk of losing their sight — and with it, their independence and quality of life. Yet, vision loss is often preventable. As the region faces the dual pressures of a growing ageing population and the rising prevalence of diabetes, investing in eye health supports individuals and families in maintaining their wellbeing and livelihoods, while also delivering broader economic and social benefits across the Asia Pacific region.

A new regional survey, commissioned by Roche, explores how people experience vision health — and where coordinated action could have the greatest impact, beyond individual behaviours. The findings point to opportunities to strengthen care, reduce burdens and improve outcomes across the region.

Vision impairment is a leading contributor to years lived with disability and costs the global economy $411 billion in lost productivity each year​. In Asia Pacific, where populations are ageing fast and diabetes is rising, the stakes are even higher.

Without targeted intervention, retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema alone, could contribute to $715 billion in lost productivity and 13 million healthy life years lost in this decade in the ten studied major economies.

Based on our insights from 4,354 adults aged 40+ across eight Asia Pacific markets, the APAC Vision Health Survey highlights five areas where targeted efforts could accelerate impact.

Vision loss ripples through families and communities. One in four caregivers reported income loss and 39% experienced productivity strain. Many also reported emotional distress and exhaustion, underscoring the broader toll vision loss takes on family wellbeing and support systems. Survey respondents’ top concerns associated with vision loss include reduced quality of life, loss of independence, financial difficulties and mental health issues.

When sight is compromised, it impacts the ability to work, care for others and live independently, creating a cumulative burden that spans health and economic systems.

Although 9 in 10 people express concern about their eye health, only 28% receive annual eye checks and 12% never visit an eye care professional​.

This awareness–action gap is a missed opportunity. Strengthening early detection through education, integration into existing check-ups and removing access barriers can reduce later-stage disease burden.

People with diabetes face a 25-fold higher risk of vision loss, yet nearly a third of survey respondents with diabetes do not receive the recommended annual eye examination and many reported a significant impact on daily life due to visual symptoms.

Incorporating vision care into diabetes and primary health services is a practical way to detect issues early, ease the burden on specialists and protect independence for working-age adults.

By 2050, one in four people in Asia Pacific will be 60 or older. Yet, while ageing is widely recognized as a risk factor, many older adults still see vision loss as inevitable. Less than 60% attend regular eye checks and preventive measures are often delayed until symptoms appear.

This is where healthy-ageing policies can make a difference — reframing eye health as part of living well longer, not just treating disease when it arrives.

Despite their impact, awareness of specific retinal conditions, like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, remains limited. Across all surveyed markets, knowledge scores averaged just 2.2 out of 4, with many unable to recognize symptoms.

Low awareness often leads to delayed care, missed diagnoses and avoidable complications. Addressing this gap through targeted education and earlier access to innovation is essential for preserving vision and managing long-term costs.

The path forward is clear: improving eye health can improve lives and livelihoods and ease pressure on overburdened health systems. But this requires partnership across sectors and borders.

Achieving the World Health Organization’s Vision for Everyone by 2030 requires building on existing efforts and working together to scale solutions that reach those most in need. This can include:

This requires commitment from all stakeholders — healthcare providers, policy-makers, industry and patient advocates. By working collaboratively, these actions can help ensure people receive the care they need, when and where they need it.

Vision loss is not inevitable, but changing its trajectory in Asia Pacific will take more than awareness alone. It calls for turning insights into action through sustained collaboration across sectors and ensuring vision health is embedded within the region’s broader health and development strategies.

Protecting sight is about empowering people to live independently, fulfil their potential, care for loved ones and stay connected to the world around them. When people can participate more fully in society — including at home, in their communities and in the workforce — the benefits ripple outward, strengthening families, communities and economies. By acting together across sectors, we have the chance to turn these insights into lasting impact for millions across Asia Pacific.