News

Over 650 international delegates witnessed the signing of the Durban Declaration last week at the inaugural World Congress on Refractive Error (WCRE) in South Africa (News, March 16).

The Durban Declaration pledges to stop avoidable blindness from uncorrected refractive error, which has an estimated global economic impact of US$42bn annually.

The declaration resolves to create global awareness of the impact of refractive error, encourage governments and healthcare agencies to provide resources and invest in the training of eye care workers.

Delegates heard that as well as providing care and spectacles, health, education and social welfare systems were needed to empower communities.

Chair of the International Centre for Eyecare Education Brien Holden said: 'At this very historic congress we have identified that while the magnitude of the problem is beyond our original estimations, the need is urgent and the solution achievable.'

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