---
title: "Eye health in Latin America | Eye Health Guide"
description: "Eye conditions and care priorities in Latin America: cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cysticercosis, onchocerciasis, and urgent care."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/regions/latin-america/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Regional guide

# Eye health in Latin America

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Referral routes differ between countries and public, social-security and private services. Ask your usual health centre or insurer how to see an ophthalmologist. For sudden sight loss or serious injury, use your local emergency service.

### On this page ⌄

1. Quick answer
2. Where to start
3. Referrals, eligibility and costs
4. Keep your eye-care appointments
5. When to seek immediate help
6. Related topics for this region
7. Local care
8. Frequently asked questions

[Read this guide in Español](https://eyehealthguide.org/es/)

## Where to start

Referral routes differ between countries and public, social-security and private services. Ask your usual health centre or insurer how to see an ophthalmologist. For sudden sight loss or serious injury, use your local emergency service.

## Referrals, eligibility and costs

Confirm referral rules, waiting lists and charges with your own health service. The official Mexican cataract programme below applies to Mexico; it is not a scheme for the whole region.

## Keep your eye-care appointments

Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can develop before vision changes are noticeable. Ask your eye-care team which examinations you need and when to return. Your age, medical history, family history and previous results affect this plan.

## When to seek immediate help

Sudden loss of sight, a dark curtain over vision, a serious eye injury or severe eye pain needs immediate assessment. New flashes or suddenly increasing floaters need urgent eye care. Do not wait for a routine screening appointment.

## Related topics for this region

No matches. Try a different search or browse by category above.

Find care where you live

## Choose a regional guide for local services and practical information.

Your language does not determine where you receive care. Choose the country or region where you live; every guide is available in English, Spanish and Indonesian.

### Latin America

Referral routes differ between countries and public, social-security and private services. Ask your usual health centre or insurer how to see an ophthalmologist. For sudden sight loss or serious injury, use your local emergency service.

Confirm referral rules, waiting lists and charges with your own health service. The official Mexican cataract programme below applies to Mexico; it is not a scheme for the whole region.

- [México: estrategia Ver por México ↗](https://www.gob.mx/salud/acciones-y-programas/convenio-especifico-de-intercambio-de-servicios-relacionado-con-la-estrategia-nacional-de-cirugia-de-catarata)

## Frequently asked questions

### Does choosing a language change the healthcare system?

No. Language and country are separate choices. Read in the language you understand best, and use the guide for the country or region where you receive care.