In 2002, the New Zealand Government signed up to support the World Health Organization's VISION 2020 initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020. With less than ten years to go, we need a coordinated effort to achieve this goal.

New Zealand is one of the only developed countries in the world that does not have a national plan and budget for the prevention of vision loss.

VISION 2020's new Clear Focus research shows that:

• Vision loss cost New Zealand society $2.8 billion in 2009.
• By 2020 direct health costs alone are projected to more than double to $523 million, compared with $198 million in 2009.
• In 2009 almost 125,000 New Zealanders aged 40 or over had vision loss, including around 12,000 who were blind.
• By 2020, it is projected that 174,000 New Zealanders over 40 will have vision loss and 18,300 will be blind.

Most vision loss is correctable, preventable or treatable. By investing in prevention, the cost savings for New Zealand in the medium term would be millions of dollars.

It is now time for the New Zealand Government to take action. We need a comprehensive national eye health strategy to eliminate preventable blindness in New Zealand. Sign this statement to show your support.