A Global Call to Action

As populations continue to grow and age, and conditions like diabetes and myopia become ever more prevalent, the need for a unified global response to eye care has never been more urgent. We are at a critical juncture—failure to act decisively now will lead to a future where billions of people are affected by preventable or treatable sight loss. 

Over the past few years, we have made significant strides in advocating for eye health across the world, including World Health Assembly resolutions, the landmark UN Resolution on Vision, agreed global targets and many regional and national policy commitments to prioritise sight and eye care. Yet, over a billion people still lack access to the care they need. While the number in need grows, the need for action is ever more pressing. 

The solutions to this crisis are within reach. We have committed professionals, effective treatments and technologies that can transform eye care services. However, progress remains slow and fragmented. The time has come for a global step change. 

To that end, in Mexico, I announced our ambition to convene the first-ever Global Eye Health Summit in 2026. The Summit will bring the world’s leaders together to turn promises and commitments into actionable, measurable plans. As H.E. Ambassador Walton Webson has stated, “The key thing here is to move, what I call, from paper to people.” 

The Global Summit on Eye Health aims to: 

• Shine a spotlight on eye health so that it is no longer the public health crisis no one knows about. 

• Galvanize action by governments to deliver on the global promises they have made. 

• Bring new funders and partners to the table. 

• Champion technology and innovation in eye health. 

• Develop an eye health roadmap and accountability framework for the next 10 years. 

The Global Summit will be the culmination of a two-year campaign involving all of us.  

We need to work together to persuade governments to develop and implement costed and resourced eye care frameworks for their countries. However, the Summit itself is not the end goal—it’s the catalyst for sustained action. 

How can you be involved?   

IAPB members’ voice and influence are crucial. We will need your help and support with global and national campaigning and advocacy, as well as any assistance you can offer with resources or fundraising. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference in our collective effort to make this summit a success. 

IAPB is hosting two virtual sessions where attendees can learn more about the Summit. IAPB Members can RSVP here.

Not an IAPB Member?  

The Global Summit on Eye Health requires a lot of resources and expertise. Enquire about opportunities for you and your organisation to support the Global Summit on Eye Health by contacting us.