[Progress in the control of world blindness and future perspectives]

Worldwide, there are approximately 180 million severely visually impaired people, of whom some 45 million are blind. Cataract remains the major cause of blindness, especially in the less developed countries. Substantial improvements have been achieved in the control of blinding diseases, mainly in respect of onchocerciasis and xerophthalmia. More recently, a WHO alliance for the eradicating of trachoma by the year 2020 has been set up. In Africa, the situation remains critical in spite of significant improvements in the training of eye care personnel and the implementation of new eye care facilities. If no additional action is taken, the number of blind from cataract will steadily increase, mainly because of population growth and aging. Substantial further efforts should be made to make appropriate eye care accessible and affordable to all those in need.