A Clear Vision for Workplace Health: ILO, IAPB, and Nepal Eye Hospital Collaborate for Landmark Eye Screening Event

On May 8, 2024, in a groundbreaking event, IAPB joined forces with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Nepal Eye Hospital to conduct the first-ever workplace eye screening at the ILO’s Kathmandu office This event marked a significant step towards prioritizing eye health in the workplace, aligning with the insights from the joint IAPB and ILO pivotal report, “Eye Health and the World of Work,” released last year. 

The report shed light on the alarming impact of poor vision on workers’ productivity and safety, noting that an estimated 3.5 million eye injuries occur in workplaces annually. It underscored the urgent need for proactive eye health programs, setting the stage for our groundbreaking initiative. 

During the event, fifty-eight staff members and their families received comprehensive eye exams, including visual acuity assessments, color vision tests, refractions, and retinal examinations. The screenings revealed a range of conditions, from refractive errors and dry eye to a case of glaucoma. Thanks to the generosity of Nepal Eye Hospital, twenty pairs of presbyopia glasses were provided to support our staff. 

The event was celebrated as a success by both the ILO and the IAPB. Dr. Hayford Etteh, ILO Medical Adviser, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for employee eye health and wider awareness. Numan Özcan, Country Director of the ILO Country Office for Nepal, described the event as a “very successful exercise,” praising the professional team involved. Jessica Thompson, Director of Advocacy, Policy, and Strategy at IAPB, highlighted the continued collaboration between our organizations and the critical message of the ILO report, reflected in our ongoing “Love Your Eyes at Work” campaign. 

As Head of the Region – South East Asia at IAPB, I am immensely proud to have hosted the first of these screenings in Nepal. Partnering with the ILO and Nepal Eye Hospital to bring this vital service to the workplace is an honor and a responsibility we take seriously. This event is just the beginning of our efforts to ensure that everyone has access to the eye care they need to thrive in the workplace and beyond. 

This initiative serves as a model for other organizations and countries to prioritize eye health in the workplace. By investing in preventative care and raising awareness of the importance of vision, we can create safer, healthier, and more productive work environments for all.