Health x Wellness
New Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Greater Vision Health Awareness in APAC
A new APAC Vision Health Survey, commissioned by Roche, has uncovered a troubling disconnect between concern for vision health and preventive action across Asia Pacific.
While 91 percent of adults over 40 express worry about their eyesight, only 28 percent undergo annual or more frequent eye exams. With 90 percent of vision impairment being preventable or treatable, the findings reinforce the pressing need for earlier detection and intervention.
Asia Pacific carries a disproportionate global burden of vision impairment, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all moderate-to-severe cases. As populations age and diabetes continues to rise, tackling preventable vision impairment has become an urgent priority—not just for individuals, but for society at large.
The economic impact is staggering, with vision-related productivity losses costing the global economy US$411 billion annually.
Key Findings: The Reality of Vision Impairment
The survey highlights five critical insights shaping the future of vision health:
Daily Life Disruptions
Vision impairment affects far more than just eyesight. Respondents fear losing their ability to manage everyday tasks like cooking (68 percent), transportation (53 percent), and even their jobs (46 percent). Meanwhile, caregivers face emotional distress, financial strain, and exhaustion, with 95 percent reporting significant challenges.
Preventive Care Is Neglected
Despite widespread concern, many delay action—one in three wait until symptoms appear before seeking help, while 12 percent have never seen an eye care professional. Regular eye exams are crucial for early disease detection, yet uptake remains low.
Diabetes and Vision Loss
Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of vision impairment, yet many do not get checked. Among diabetic respondents, two-thirds report symptoms like blurred vision or floaters, but one-third neglect annual eye exams. Cost, time constraints, and lack of awareness remain barriers to early intervention.
Misconceptions About Ageing and Vision Loss
The belief that age-related vision impairment is inevitable discourages people from seeking regular checkups. A staggering 94 percent accept vision decline as a normal part of ageing, limiting early intervention. Among those aged 60 and above, fewer than six in ten attend regular eye exams.
Low Awareness of Retinal Diseases
Most people are unaware of serious retinal conditions like diabetic macular edema (DME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or retinal vein occlusion (RVO)—all of which can lead to irreversible vision loss. The survey found 59 percent of respondents do not recognise RVO, 42 percent are unfamiliar with DME, and 29 percent do not know about AMD—despite the fact that 200 million people worldwide live with AMD.
A Call for Action in Vision Care
Professor Andrew Chang, Secretary-General of the Asia Pacific Vitreo-retina Society, stressed the need for collaboration: “We must raise awareness and integrate vision care into existing healthcare systems, particularly for diabetes and ageing populations. Technology can bridge accessibility gaps and ensure patients receive timely intervention.”
Ahmed Elhusseiny, Area Head for Roche Pharmaceuticals Asia Pacific, reinforced the urgency: “The economic and human costs of delayed eye care are far too high. We need innovative solutions to drive awareness and prevention, ensuring more people get the treatment they need before it’s too late.”
Vision Health Matters—For Everyone
With 4,354 adults across eight markets surveyed—including Singapore, Australia, and South Korea—the study underscores the urgent need for education, accessibility, and systemic change in eye care.
For more details, visit: APAC Vision Health Survey.
Pictures taken from website, and attributed to Roche.
