The world sight day is being observed today as a tribute to those who donate their eyes for a noble and generous cause.

Today there are 286 million people on our planet that don't enjoy eye sight ability, 19 million of them children, all of whom suffer from a debilitating form of visual impairment. Sadly, and unacceptably, 80 percent of these cases are due to causes which could have been prevented, treated or cured.

Not surprisingly, 90 percent of these people live in the developing world. As such, this is not an issue you hear talked about much in the general media or by public policy types. Therefore, you are probably unaware that October 13 is World Sight Day.

This year World Sight Day (WSD) is marked by paying tribute to its donors - and there are many examples of generosity to celebrate.

While there are many causes of blindness, one of the most common is from Vitamin A deficiency, which leaves 350,000 children blind annually and is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness. Globally 23 percent of children suffer from Vitamin A deficiency. In addition to the risk of impaired vision and blindness, Vitamin A deficiency also leaves children and adults less able to fight infectious diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 670,000 children under the age of five die annually due to Vitamin A and zinc deficiencies. Interventions, such as food fortification and supplementation, cost only pennies a week. Everyone has the 'Right to Sight' and these children should not be denied that right simply because they are poor and do not have access to proper nutrition and health care.

The issue is not simply humanitarian, it is economic as well. Addressing the issue is relatively easy and was named the most cost effective intervention designed to address the world's most pressing issues according to the Copenhagen Consensus in 2008.

A mere $60 million investment can reap an enormous $1 billion in increased productivity and lower healthcare costs. For countries, communities and families that are struggling to emerge from the cycle of poverty; this is a great start on the road to a better life.