5 Reflections That Shaped My Young Systems Leadership Award Experience

A group of blindfolded people attempted to describe an elephant. As each person touched the part they could reach, one person holding the leg insisted that the elephant was like a tree. Another feeling its trunk insisted it was like a snake. And a third holding the tail swore it was a rope. They all thought their own perception was the only correct one. Then a wise man came and advised “If you want to truly know the answer, talk to each other”. This reminds us not to miss the big picture when focusing only on the parts. Similarly, seeing the bigger picture is crucial in global eye health.

Our journey as IAPB Young Systems Leaders began with this strong metaphor. As we started our first group call and introduced our backgrounds, hopes, and visions for the future, we quickly realized that despite our varied roles and experiences, we were all connected by a shared commitment to bridging gaps in eye care. This mutual understanding—this systems thinking—has shaped our approaches to eye health in our communities and beyond.

Learning together, from one another

In the months leading up to the annual meeting, we had multiple online group calls to learn from each other’s experiences and leaders in the field. One of our discussions was on the urban-rural healthcare gap with most eye health professionals in the cities.

Caio Abujamra shared an example of how they use systems leadership in São Paulo to address the systemic gaps. They are using mobile units—trucks, buses, and containers—to bring eye care to 36 cities, offering an initial connection for patients, where almost 70% receive treatment and those with medium and high complexity cases are then referred to regional centers for further management. Although challenged by the need for sustained government and financial support, they aim to create a telemedicine model with portable equipment and a guidebook that can be scaled across Latin America. Similarly, Mary Lady Gonzalez Suriel and her team in Mexico are implementing telemedicine to reach remote communities. In fact, one of our Brazilian colleagues spent ten days in Mexico to learn and exchange experiences about this model firsthand, to adopt these methods back home.

Moving Beyond Silos

Eye health is often regarded as a separate entity of the health system. The IAPB’s 2030 In Sight strategy emphasizes the need for eye health to be integrated throughout health systems, and systems leadership promotes collaboration across traditional boundaries. One example we learned about is adapting an eye health program to address broader health needs within a community. By evolving the program’s focus, the uptake of eye health services improved, and a stronger, more trust-based relationship between healthcare providers and the community was established. This demonstrated the importance of adaptability and people-centered care, two principles that are essential to systems leadership.

Tell YOUR story

One of the lessons from this journey that resonated most with me was when we were asked to make an elevator pitch introducing ourselves. I summarized my professional and academic background in two minutes. Then my perspective completely shifted when Caroline Casey shared “Sometimes I am asked how we were able to get 500 companies globally to work together to end disability exclusion in business. I respond that we had 500 talks from the heart with every organization individually. And we started each talk with our personal story, connection, and passion for the cause”. This helped us reflect and truly sit with our WHY; The reason that motivated our journey and keeps us going. We then talked about our friends, sisters, parents, and loved ones who have (unknowingly) planted the seeds that continue to motivate us and our eye health journeys.

Participating in the 2030 In Sight LIVE Event

I have followed the 2030 In Sight agenda throughout my studies and career. Participating in the IAPB’s 2030 In Sight LIVE event was a significant learning experience by itself. This event brought together experts, policymakers, and individuals living with vision impairment to discuss the progress, challenges, and initiatives toward achieving accessible and affordable eye care for all by 2030. It was a great honor and opportunity for us -Young Systems Leaders- to participate as panelists, facilitators, and more during the flagship event and the working groups day.

Moving Forward; Together

Reflecting on these experiences, I recognize that the award is more than a title; it’s an ongoing journey and a commitment to contributing to systems leadership in eye health. The months leading up to and since receiving the award have been filled with learning, inspiration, and growth, and I am eager to continue applying them to my work.

The Young Systems Leader Award has shown me that collective action and continuous engagement beyond traditional borders are key to meaningful change in eye health. It has also allowed us to be part of a global network working towards a world where more of us and our loved ones can access the eye care we need.

If you’re committed to systems leadership in eye health, I invite you to join us on this journey.