fbpx

Landmark Cost of Vision Loss Associated with Inherited Retinal Diseases

A new study released by Fighting Blindness Canada and Retina International places the total cost of illness from vision loss associated with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in Canada at $1.6 billion– significantly higher than previously estimated. The study’s proponents say these costs, which are expected to increase dramatically in the years ahead, underscore the urgent need for Canada to support research and new treatments for IRDs.

The $566 million price tag for vision loss includes $38 million in direct health-related costs and $538 million in indirect costs, such as lost productivity and earnings, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Persons with an IRD in Canada were 24.4% less likely to be in paid employment than the general population.

The study is also the first to attribute a value to the human toll of vision loss on Canadians with IRD’s. This burden of disease adds a further $1.1 billion to the overall cost of IRDs.

 “This landmark study provides clear evidence on how living with an inherited retinal disease causes significant impacts on daily life, well-being, mental health, quality of life, and employment status.” says Doug Earle, President & CEO, Fighting Blindness Canada.

This study demonstrates that the impact of having an IRD is primarily borne by the affected individuals and their families. However, the societal effects and costs of IRDs that are borne outside of the healthcare system are not captured in most drug reviews or health technology assessments, making it difficult to assess the true cost of these diseases. This report goes some way towards filling this gap but it is clear that more work is needed to both understand and account for the burden of vision loss on Canadians as well as the importance of investment in critical genetic testing services and research to drive the development of treatments for this unmet need.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Featured Posts

Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read more
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read more
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read More
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read More
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read More
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read More
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read more
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read more
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read more
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read more