Service models and materials required for the delivery of low-vision services will vary according to specific community needs, the skill mix available in those delivering services and the availability of funding to run services. The delivery of services is however only possible if those responsible for them have agreed, well-informed standards against which to benchmark their activity. In this article we will outline the importance of developing standards for affordable and accessible low-vision service delivery that can be applied globally and that are relevant to both the developed and developing world.