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Every $1 in Eye Care Generates Up to $7.30 in Social Value

Sep 12, 2025 | news |

Globally, at least 1.1 billion people live with vision loss and 90% of these cases are preventable or treatable. Preventable blindness continues to present a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including India and Nepal.

New SROI Study Proves How Community Eye Care Transforms Lives

While national eye health programs in both countries have made substantial progress over recent decades, significant gaps remain—particularly in rural and remote areas. Geographical isolation, shortages of trained eye health personnel at the primary level, low public awareness, and the costs associated with accessing tertiary care all contribute to continued cases of avoidable vision loss that could have been prevented.

To address these challenges, Cure Blindness Project introduced community-based eye care initiatives that bring treatment closer to where people live. A recent Social Return on Investment (SROI) study by Deloitte underscores the transformative impact of these efforts: in India, every $1 USD invested created $7.30 USD in social value, while in Nepal, the return was $5.02 USD. Beyond restoring sight, these programs protect livelihoods, reduce inequalities, and strengthen community resilience-proving that investing in eye care is one of the most effective ways to improve lives.

India: Bringing Eye Care to the Doorstep

In Uttar Pradesh (UP), avoidable blindness remains a significant concern, with cataract and corneal conditions among the leading causes. According to the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey (2015–2019), the prevalence of blindness among adults aged 50 and above in India is 1.99%, with Uttar Pradesh among the states with the highest burden. Cataract accounts for nearly 66% of blindness cases, followed by corneal blindness at 7.4%.

New SROI Study Proves How Community Eye Care Transforms Lives

To address these challenges, Cure Blindness Project launched the blindness prevention program in collaboration with Sitapur Eye Hospital. The initiative focused on capacity building and empowerment of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Sitapur’s Biswan, Laharpur, and Tambaur blocks. These community health workers were trained to identify, treat, and refer eye conditions, and to raise awareness about early detection and prevention.

ASHAs have informed us that timely treatment prevents further damage. Patient from Tambour

As a result,

  • Over 55,000 villagers with corneal abrasions have received timely treatment in their communities.
  • 36,000 individuals were referred for more complex eye conditions.
  • 97% of patients diagnosed by ASHAs received care at the primary level, sparing families the financial and emotional burden of long journeys and hospital visits.
  • For 41% of patients who were primary earners, early treatment has enabled them to return to work more swiftly, without jeopardizing household income.
55,000

corneal abrasions treated

36,000

referrals made for complex conditions

97%

of those diagnosed by ASHAs receive primary care

The SROI study indicates that for every $1 USD invested, the program has generated $7.30 USD in social value through early treatment that helped prevent vision loss, reduced travel and healthcare costs, and supported the ability of earning members to continue working.

Majority of eye ulcer cases can be treated at a village-level by ASHAs. Timely intervention by ASHAs in these under-served areas has been a turning point for us. Chief Medical Officer of Sitapur Eye Hospital, Uttar Pradesh

The program also contributed to integrating eye care into India’s primary health system, aligning with national strategies such as the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) and the WHO’s Integrated People-Centered Eye Care (IPEC) framework.

Nepal: Bridging Distances, Restoring Hope

Nepal’s eye care ecosystem has evolved significantly, with milestones such as being the first in South Asia to implement VISION 2020: The Right to Sight in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Despite this progress, rural communities continue to face substantial barriers due to geography and limited infrastructure.

 

Health worker in Nepal

The blindness prevention program in Nepal, implemented in partnership with Bharatpur Eye Hospital and the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, aimed to strengthen local capacity through training of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). These volunteers provided first aid for eye injuries, managed corneal abrasions, and facilitated referrals for advanced care.

I feel happy when I help treat the people and it feels nice to see them better after taking the medicine. Community Health Worker (FCHV) in Bharatpur on her experience in the community

Since the program began,

  • 26,495 people reached through community outreach.
  • 14,440 individuals treated for corneal abrasions at the community level.
  • 1,295 patients referred for further management at vision centers.
  • 67% of beneficiaries saved 2–10 hours of travel time per visit.
  • Travel cost savings ranged from $1.60 USD to over $16 USD per visit, significant for low-income families.

The SROI analysis indicates that, the program generated $5.02 USD of social value for every $1 USD invested, reflecting improved health outcomes and reduced economic burdens. 

We successfully performed a corneal transplantation on an 11-year-old boy with corneal opacity with the project support. Seeing him regain his vision and a brighter future is truly inspiring. Dr. Pushpa Giri, Bharatpur Eye Hospital

The initiative supports Nepal’s National Eye Health Strategy by integrating eye care within essential health services and promoting community-based delivery through community health volunteers. The program has also helped foster earlier care-seeking behavior and greater community awareness.

More Than Sight: A Vision for Change

The evidence from India and Nepal shows that community-based eye care is not just an intervention—it is a necessary part of building stronger, more inclusive health systems. When care is brought closer to where people live, it prevents blindness, protects livelihoods, reduces inequalities, and strengthens community resilience.

When care is brought closer to where people live, it prevents blindness, protects livelihoods, reduces inequalities, and strengthens community resilience.

More Than Sight: A Vision for Change

These SROI findings reinforce that investing in local capacity for eye care is one of the most effective and sustainable ways to achieve lasting health and economic impact. Strengthening community eye health builds health systems from the bottom up—enhancing public trust, reducing pressure on tertiary facilities, and empowering communities to take ownership of their well-being. By integrating eye care at the grassroots, such programs not only prevent avoidable vision loss but also move countries closer to achieving universal eye health coverage.

Download the full study

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