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Join IAPBThere are several key differences:
This updated version of the IAPB Vision Atlas, launched on World Sight Day (8 October 2020), includes the new VLEG data. IAPB is now using these new estimates to underpin our communications and advocacy work. We strongly encourage IAPB member organisations to do the same.
The new VLEG estimates for 2020 includes revised estimates for the 1990-2010 period from a new model based on an expanded data set. This mean that the 2020 estimates supersede the 2017 estimates. We strongly recommend everyone to use the new data which gives a consistent estimate of the past, present and future numbers.
The estimated number of people with vision impairment in the World Report on Vision was based on data from various sources, including:
Estimates of distance and near vision loss in the 2020 Vision Atlas are both based on the 2020 VLEG estimates.
Please see more information about using data to make comparisons at this page.
Historically, it was widely reported that >75% of visual impairment was avoidable. This definition was based on cataract, uncorrected refractive errors and trachoma, for distance vision loss only.
The IAPB Vision Atlas and the Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health now report that 90% of vision loss can be prevented or treated, as near vision impairment is now considered in the calculation. At this page, we explain how this number was calculated, and the relationship to previous estimates.
The VLEG data is published in The Lancet. Please find the full text at the following links:
The IAPB Vision Atlas also hosts detailed current prevalence data from VLEG, from 2020 to 1990.
The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020 is also published in The Lancet. Access the full text at this link.
You are free to reuse the charts from the Vision Atlas as long as you reference the source (IAPB Vision Atlas and VLEG, for example). You can find more information on how to reference the VLEG studies here.