The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) was established in 1975 as a coordinating, umbrella organisation to lead international efforts in blindness prevention activities. IAPB brings together professional bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), educational institutions, corporations and national programmes for the prevention of blindness.
Over the past two decades we have seen extraordinary progress under VISION 2020: The Right to Sight. We have the satisfaction of counting some tangible successes built on a foundation of collective action. Today, we are facing a myriad of interrelated global challenges; the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, deepening social inequalities, the impact of climate change, an ageing population and an increase in non-communicable diseases. At the same time, there is a renewed recognition that good eyesight can unlock human potential and is critical to so many of the sustainable development goals. The adoption of the first United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution on vision earlier this year cements our place as a major global development issue for the next decade. In this period of great challenge but also momentum, a collective framework for action has never been more important.
2030 In Sight offers a new approach for eye health aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the leave no one behind principle. At its core, it seeks to ensure that everyone has access to the eye care and rehabilitation services they need. It is an ambitious plan – but one we are well placed to achieve together.
