Improving eye health literacy may reduce vision impairment, review finds

Improving eye health literacy can play a vital role in preventing and managing major causes of irreversible vision loss, but there is a significant lack of comprehensive research on how to effectively assess and enhance eye health literacy across different populations, according to a new study.

The review examined peer-reviewed studies published since 1998 and found that improving public knowledge about eye health can enhance preventive practices, support early detection, and promote timely treatment. Patients with better health literacy are more likely to follow care plans, engage with providers, and make informed decisions about their eye health.

Factors influencing eye health literacy include education, income, age, gender, family history, access to care, and geographic location. The report underscores a critical need for more comprehensive, localized research and the development of universal tools to support eye health literacy worldwide.

Reference
Niyazmand N, Alam K, Wood H, et a. Eye health literacy across the world and in Australia. Clin Exp Optom. 2025;doi: 10.1080/08164622.2025.2492768. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40320376.