With an annual loss in productivity totaling $269 billion globally, the cost and prevalence of impaired vision are still underestimated in both developed and emerging countries, according to the Vision Impact Institute.

The Institute estimates that there are just over one billion workers worldwide with uncorrected vision. They say simple measures might drastically reduce the economic and social consequences of impaired vision––even though the cost, level of access to care and awareness differ by country.

Recently launched by Essilor, the Institute’s primary missions are to raise awareness about the socioeconomic impact of poor vision and to foster research where needed.