It is no secret that the ability to see is a necessity in almost every aspect of an individual life. Research suggestions that impaired vision could contribute to a global phenomenon. 

In 2005, University of Michigan conducted a study, to test the correlation between curing presbyopia (impaired vision) and economic capacity. They found that the people wearing reading glasses had a 35% increase in productivity and a significant increase in monthly income compared to those without. These numbers show that there is, in fact, a direct correlation between visual ability and economic capacity. 

Approximately 14% of the world population need vision repair and do not receive it, over half live in developing countries with no access to vision care. Professor Holden, Founder of Brien Holden Vision Institute, expressed “The combination of the high prevalence in older adults and the low rates of spectacle access in some communities means that presbyopia (impaired vision) has the potential to cause a global burden of vision loss worthy of attention.” 

As this image shows, almost half of the world population lives in rural nations of the world such as Africa, Asia, and South America.

Researchers project that the poorer, rural areas will curate over 90% of our population growth over the next century, while the highest income nations are projected to contribute only 3%. These circumstances suggest that helping improve rural communities way of life, teaching them literacy, providing the tools needed to excel and learn. All of these "charitable" works are not only helping the less fortunate, but the future of humanity.

What we do now, makes a difference. Our world is growing, population expanding and vision is one aspect of life that is numerically proven to enhance an individuals productivity, economic capability, and personal psyche.

 

I'd say it's time we all start to think. DIFFerently.