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“Together, we are not just imagining a better future—we’re building it.”
2024 has been a monumental year for global eye health, as we advanced towards the goals of the 2030 In Sight strategy. From innovative evidence-building to transformative collaborations, the efforts of IAPB and its members are driving meaningful change worldwide. The year reaffirmed the power of collective action, the importance of data-driven advocacy, and the impact of innovative resources. Let us reflect on how Knowledge initiatives have moved the needle on global eye health.
Released on World Sight Day as part of the Love Your Eyes campaign, the Better Education in Sight report, co-led with Seva Foundation, created global buzz. The report reached 119 media outlets with a readership of over 38 million, highlighting a silent crisis in classrooms. Poor vision results in an annual global loss of 6.3 million equivalent years of schooling and $173 billion in future economic productivity, with 83% of losses occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This report isn’t just about the numbers; it’s a call to action for policymakers, educators, and health leaders worldwide to address the silent crisis of poor vision in classrooms.
Momentum is building under the 2030 In Sight Commitment Tracker, with a fourfold increase in logged commitments—now totaling 82 commitments (12 global, 17 regional, 52 national). This tangible progress is a testament to the power of advocacy and collaboration. We thank all our key informants and partners who made this possible. Members are welcome to contribute to 2025 efforts in data collection, reporting, and publications. You can find a summary of the progress story for 2024 here.
The Country Progress Survey gathered data from 46 countries, revealed varied readiness for integrating eye health into broader systems. The insights underscore the varied starting points of countries and emphasize the tailored support needed to ensure eye care integration is meaningful and effective. More details on the national eye health integration into systems can be found in this online progress story here.
A major highlight this year was the launch of the updated IAPB School Eye Health Guidelines at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE in Mexico. Developed by the School Eye Health Work Group, these guidelines aim to support the delivery of standardized, comprehensive eye health services for over 700 million schoolchildren, particularly in LMICs.
The Love Your Eyes campaign resonated deeply, with over 40,000 downloads of curated resources tailored for children, caregivers, schools, and stakeholders. From fun activities to knowledge boosters, these tools made eye health education interactive, enjoyable, and impactful. By fostering awareness and prioritizing vision care, we’re empowering the next generation to value and protect their sight.
Our flagship event, 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Mexico, was a vibrant showcase of inspiration, collaboration, and innovation, drawing over 480 attendees. The event featured a reimagined Member Engagement Groups Day and 26 dynamic sessions across the main event days, delivered by 166 speakers. The energy was amplified by the contributions of our Strategic Partners, Changemakers, and Young Systems Leaders, as well as the introduction of exciting new features such as poster sessions and rapid-fire presentations. Simultaneous Spanish-English translation ensured inclusivity and accessibility for a truly global audience.
Adding to the momentum, the announcement of the Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled for 2026, marked a pivotal milestone. This summit will focus on embedding eye care into global systems, fostering multisector partnerships, and driving sustainable progress toward our mission.
The Vision Atlas remains indispensable, with over 180,000 interactions from 24,000 users in 2024. This treasure trove of data empowers stakeholders to advocate for change with evidence-backed clarity. The IAPB Knowledge Hub has seen over 45,000 interactions this year, fueled by 111 new blog posts, five resources, and updated pages on eye conditions. Together, these platforms are helping shape the delivery of global eye health.
Looking ahead, an enhanced Vision Atlas 3.0, launching in May 2025, will provide real-time updates, enriched country data, and improved navigation—revolutionizing access to eye health insights.
We extend our gratitude to the sponsors of Vision Atlas, whose generous support has made it possible to provide this invaluable resource as a free tool for advancing global eye health. We also thank everyone who contributed to the platform and Knowledge Hub this year—through production, sharing, and collaboration—for shaping these resources into cornerstones of eye health advocacy.
Informed by the 2023 Member Engagement Review, significant strides have been made around the governance and structure of our member engagement groups. The Refractive Error Strategy Implementation Group merges three previous groups (Refractive Error, School Eye Health and Vision Rehabilitation) to drive refractive error coverage by 2030. The Humanitarian Response and Indigenous Peoples Special Interest Groups transitioned into member-led work groups. The Gender Equity Work Group updated its toolkit and hosted a session at the UN Commission for the Status of Women. All groups have consistently expanded their membership and member satisfaction over the year.
The momentum doesn’t stop here. 2025 promises to be even more transformative, with exciting plans on the horizon. And none of these achievements would be possible without the dedication of our members, partners, and supporters. Thank You for Making It All Possible.
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