The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) launched the World Health Organization’s Eye Care in Health Systems Guide for Action to help countries worldwide implement eye care services effectively.
During the 75th World Health Assembly, Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, commented: ‘We know that the burden of avoidable blindness is not equal. In 2021, we moved closer to addressing that inequality with the landmark UN Resolution on Vision, enshrining eye health as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
‘Now, we have the WHO Eye Care Guide for Action, an exciting set of practical tools that will support effective eye health interventions in national health programmes, and ensure people receive the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it.’
Countries which have shown increased action towards providing eye care services include Bangladesh, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, with many highlighting the importance of additional government funding and inclusion in policies.
Dr Maxi Rondonuwu, Indonesia’s director general of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, said it would be part of the country’s community health centres, and has planned availability in all 514 districts.
At a London event hosted by the Vision for the Commonwealth Coalition (VCC), the VCC called for countries to commit to improved support for children with poor vision and emphasised the importance of school sight screenings.
As chair of the Vision for the Commonwealth Coalition, Holland urged education ministers to work with health ministers to ensure crucially needed eye tests, glasses and other treatments are available to all children.
Global leaders highlighted the impact sight problems had on educational opportunities, employment, earning potential and well-being, and, consequently, the difference that long-term eye care support for children makes.
