From Science and Technology to Eye-Health Policy: A Review on Global and Asia–Pacific Strategies on the Prevention of Blindness from Retinal Diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) is making a concerted effort to enhance health, including eye health and overall well-being. This global effort has resulted in a reduced age-standardized prevalence of avoidable blindness and no increase in avoidable moderate and severe vision impairment. However, the absolute number of cases has increased for both avoidable blindness and moderate-to-severe vision impairment. Globally, the leading causes of visual impairment include uncorrected refractive errors and cataract, though many retinal conditions equally contribute. All causes of blindness and moderate-to-severe visual impairment are higher in low- and middle-income countries, including many in the Asia–Pacific region. This inequality could be reduced by harmonizing science and technology and translating them into regulatory policy to close the care loop. This review aimed to provide a perspective on the disease burden of common retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, and retinopathy of prematurity; the latest science and technology for diagnosing and treating these conditions; and recommendations to translate them into national policy. We also reviewed the WHO’s global policy and targets related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recommended to prevent global blindness by the year 2030. The national health and eye care systems, from primary to tertiary care, in an Asia–Pacific country, which align with “Integrated People-Centered Eye Care” proposed by WHO, are also reviewed.