World Sight Day Photos of the Year Announced

IAPB is thrilled to announce the winners of the World Sight Day 2024 Photo Competition.  

The judges have chosen ‘We Love Our Eyes!’, by Abdullah Almajed, for King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, as this year’s winning professional Photo of the Year and ‘Post Op visual test’, by Namkhen Lama, for Tilganga, as the winning amateur Photo of the Year. 

“The quality, creativity and skillset – all was amazingly beautiful…Every picture had a story behind it and serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise eye health, particularly for children – the future generations,” said Fatima Zehar, LRBT, Programme Manager, Inclusive Eye Health Programme and World Sight Day Photo Competition Judge. 

Michelle Sylvanowicz, Global Advocacy Director, Ophthalmology for Bayer, echoed the excitement, saying, “At Bayer we are always impressed with each year’s submissions; the competition grows stronger each year.” 

Winners were selected from over 600 images submitted from dozens of countries. Courtenay Holden, Head of Communications and Campaigns for IAPB, said, “Each year, we are continually inspired by the hundreds of beautiful submissions that capture the impact of sight-loss and the importance of ensuring everyone, everywhere has access to the eye care they need. These photos truly celebrate World Sight Day and the spirit of ‘Love Your Eyes,’ reflecting our shared commitment to eye care for all.” 

Since its inception in 2015, the World Sight Day Photo Competition has helped tell the story of eye care; the social and economic impact of having accessible, available and affordable eye care and the flip side.  

“We are continually thrilled that so many talented photographers are keen to be part of the competition. We sincerely thank everyone who entered and congratulations to our incredible winners,” added Holden. 

The judging panel consisted of Busisiwe Mzyece, Head of Programmes, Council for the Blind Zimbabwe, Fatima Zehra, Programme Manager, Inclusive Eye Health Programme, LRBT, Lowri Moore, Author, Ambassador, Activist & IAPB Campaigner of the Year, Emily McCormick, Editor, Optometry Today, and Michelle Sylvanowicz, Global Advocacy Director, Ophthalmology for Bayer. 

When asked to consider the importance of imagery that displays and celebrates the impact of eye care, Judge, Busisiwe Mzyece, replied, ‘These images are a powerful reminder that every picture tells a story – and every story has the power to change the world.”  

The IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition is made possible with support from Bayer. The competition is part of the #LoveYourEyes, World Sight Day campaign.