Antigua and Barbuda has secured 25,000 near vision eyeglasses through the global nonprofit RestoringVision as part of a Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative to expand universal access to presbyopia correction—addressing the leading cause of avoidable vision impairment worldwide.

Globally, more than one billion people live with preventable or unaddressed vision loss, including 826 million with presbyopia, an age related loss of near vision that can be corrected instantly with a simple pair of eyeglasses. Correcting presbyopia restores productivity and independence; a recent study shows income gains of roughly 33% for workers who receive reading glasses, underscoring the transformative impact of simple, low cost vision care.

The eyeglasses are part of a broader effort to establish a blindness free community zone model in Antigua and Barbuda by correcting vision impairment through eyeglasses and surgical interventions, enabled through a partnership with the Ministry of Health, Cure Blindness Project, RestoringVision, and VisionSpring. The initiative positions Antigua and Barbuda as a global leader in advancing eye health ahead of the first ever Global Summit for Eye Health, which the country will co host with the World Health Organization in November this year.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne with Mr. Peter Holland, CCEO, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the initiative, noting its significance for improving the quality of life and economic productivity of citizens.

“Access to basic vision care is fundamental to improving quality of life and ensuring that our citizens can fully participate in the social and economic life of our nation. Through this Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative, Antigua and Barbuda is demonstrating that small states can lead with bold, practical solutions that restore dignity, enhance productivity, and strengthen public health. We are proud to partner with international organizations committed to eliminating preventable vision impairment and ensuring that every Antiguan and Barbudan has access to essential eye care,” he said.

Minister for Health, Wellness and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, also emphasized the importance of the initiative as part of the Government’s wider commitment to strengthening healthcare services and preventive care.

“This initiative represents a major step forward in addressing preventable vision impairment in our country. By making reading glasses widely accessible and integrating eye health into our community healthcare services, we are empowering individuals to maintain their independence, remain productive, and live healthier lives. It also reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to becoming a model for comprehensive eye care in the region,” Minister Joseph said.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph (photo by Everton Barnes)

“Achieving integrated eye health coverage for all requires partnership, ambition, and collective action. This inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health represents a pivotal moment to accelerate access to eye care, including eyeglasses—one of the most cost effective tools we have to unlock human potential,” said Ambassador Keisha McGuire, Chief Global Affairs Officer of RestoringVision.

“The Prime Ministerial Vision Initiative demonstrates what is possible when bold national leadership meets a clear and urgent need. Prime Minister Browne’s prioritization of eye health shows how governments can act decisively to restore sight, livelihoods, and dignity. We hope this spirit of partnership is replicated as governments, intergovernmental agencies, philanthropic organizations, the private sector, and civil society work together on the Road to the Summit.”

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to work with international partners to expand access to essential eye care services, improve early detection and treatment of vision impairment, and ensure that no citizen is left behind in the pursuit of better health and well-being.