Over 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from near or distance vision issues, with 1 billion cases potentially prevented or easily addressed through spectacles or cataract surgery. Vision impairment also significantly impacts the global economy, causing an estimated $411 billion loss in workplace productivity due to poor vision.

World Sight Day, observed on October 2nd, raises awareness about global blindness and vision impairments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced the "WHOeyes" app, which allows users to assess their visual capabilities and provides guidance on eye protection for both near and distant objects.

The app assesses visual acuity, which measures the eye's ability to distinguish shapes and details at a specific distance. This assessment is the most common way to gauge visual function and is vital for identifying vision impairments. Many individuals with vision loss may not even realize it. Regular vision checks play a crucial role in early detection of vision issues, allowing timely intervention to preserve eyesight.

WHOeyes is a program designed for individuals over 8 years old to promote eye care demand. It encourages people to seek professional eye care, but it is not a replacement for regular eye examinations by qualified professionals. If you suspect vision loss, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

"The WHOeyes app can help people quickly and easily identify potential vision issues that merit further checking by a qualified professional," said Dr Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for Noncommunicable Diseases. “We decided to share this simple eye test and quick tips for eye care on an app, as people use their phones daily, and many people are unaware that they have a vision problem until it is too late.”

The WHOeyes app is accessible in all six official UN languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. It can be freely downloaded from both the Apple App Store and Google Play.