Having a strong definition of what you’re trying to work towards can make the process easier. This is true of eye health, where the systems that contribute to impaired vision, and those that can help to improve it, are complex. During the recent Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health, the authors recognised that establishing a clear definition of eye health could help galvanise the eye health community towards its reaching ambitious aims in the coming decade.

In a paper published today in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, led by Jacqueline Ramke, Associate Professor in Global Eye Health at ICEH, authors from the Commission analysed the definition outlined in the report:

Eye health is the state in which vision, ocular health, and functional ability is maximised, thereby contributing to overall health and well-being, social inclusion, and quality of life

Working with this definition, the authors outline what they consider to be its intrinsic principles, along with some key considerations for how it can help guide activities to strengthen global eye health.

Read more: Ramke, J., Ah Tong, B. A., Stern, J., Swenor, B. K., Faal, H. B., & Burton, M. J. (2021). Defining eye health for everyone. Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics: The Journal of the British College of Ophthalmic Opticians (Optometrists). https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.12922