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2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, Mexico was more than a gathering, more than an event; it was and a powerful catalyst for transformative action. The engaging programme translated compelling narratives into tangible strategies, highlighted 2030 In Sight successes and lessons learnt, fostered unprecedented collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and ignited a united commitment to eye health for everyone, everywhere.
Why does 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE stand out?
For the champions of accessible and affordable eye health, 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE is the singular global opportunity to join the march and amplify the voice for a world where everyone has access to eye care when and where they need it. So many people who attended the event have mentioned the level of energy, excitement and vibe in Mexico was unique.
Programme snapshot
Over 3 days, we had 27 programme sessions, 9 work groups, 2 languages, 400+ in person attendees, 180+ online.
How has 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, Mexico turned the pages?
For the first time, we started the conference by listening to the Voices of Experience. Gold medal winning Paralympian Eduardo-Avila Sanchez shared his early experience of vision impairment to thriving as an athlete and influencer. Joel Lopez Ramos and Megan Weber emphasised the need to engage early with many different people – Indigenous, women, parents and carers to prevent eye diseases and improve treatment strategies. Subsequent sessions delved deeper into the voices of Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and for the first time Queer communities. Each session identifying tangible actions to transform narratives and catalyze people centered action on eye care.
A Sector wide call for action came in the plenary session on Day 2. Minister Kirk Humphreys, Barbados led the call for action to governments to commit to eye care, committing to advocate for eye health for all people in Barbados. IAPB CEO, Peter Holland highlighted the need for a leap forward to accelerate action and announced the proposal for a Global Eye Health Summit in 2026. Subsequently, a lively discussion moderated by Ollie Barrett unfolded. UN Ambassador Aubrey Webson, Chair of IAPB Regional Chairs Amanda Davis, State Minister Eufrosina Cruz and Nepal Health Secretary, Roshan Pokhrel deliberated on the essential ingredients for a successful summit from government and eye health perspectives– one that could transform eye health globally and positively impact economies.
Focussing attention on critical challenges for the future was an important theme of the event. Funding is always a critical challenge. Over 2 sessions we heard that we have an evidence-based case for investment. We heard directly from funders on their needs to unlock transformative funding to scale up eye care services. A unified approach to funding eye health and nuanced investment cases for particular funders were discussed. Other critical challenges discussed ageing populations, harnessing the potential of AI and digital technology with examples of AI in screening processes and simulation technology to improve the quality and number of eye care personnel.
Driving action to address condition specific needs. A session on Diabetes and Eye Health called on the sector to utilize newly launched IDF/IAPB policy recommendations for diabetic retinopathy to stop vision loss for people with Diabetes. Cataract surgical outcomes were the focus of a session where case studies on the successful increase in outcomes were presented and robust discussions were engaged in to benefit from these lessons in various contexts. Addressing market factors and innovative models for scale were features in a session on Refractive Error.
Launching new campaigns, tools and guidelines to enable collective action. A session on global campaigns launched the Child Eye Health theme for World Sight Day 2024. The new digital School Eye Health Guidelines were launched by the School Eye Health work group. And the 2030 In Sight Progress Monitoring tools and data was shared on commitments to eye health and integration into systems.
Learning from sector wide successes and lessons learnt on 2030 In Sight. Over several sessions we heard from representatives from over 14 countries on advocacy progress to elevate eye health; giving examples of how they are translating commitments on eye health to delivering outcomes for people on the ground.
Over 90 members show cased their progress in driving 2030 In Sight across the rapid fire and poster sessions. These sessions were exciting and enabled a sharing of experiences across countries, languages and professions. Insights shares and connections made will strengthen the collaborative approach to delivering 2030 In Sight.
The programme in Mexico was a leap forward from the award winning IN SIGHT LIVE, Singapore. This was only possible with the support and engagement of many members, experts, IAPB staff and of course, our global event partner Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México, global strategic partner, Fred Hollows Foundation and 8 changemakers (AbbVie, CBM, Johnson & Johnson, National Vision, Restoring Vision, Seva & Vision Catalyst Fund).
The energy from our incredible facilitators Ollie Barrett and Dra Gloria Ornelas Hall kept us thinking, questioning and engaging with all sessions. The expertise they bring to their craft is an invaluable addition to the programme.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all session leads, speakers, facilitators, panellists and supporters who made the programme possible.
To conclude
Every action we take today will reshape the future for everyone around the globe. Let us harness this momentum, deepen our dialogues, and realize our shared vision: a world where everyone has access to quality eye care. As we prepare for the 2025 event in Nepal, and the Global Summit in 2026, we must remember our promise of global collaboration, transforming narratives into actionable strategies, focusing on inclusivity and representation, and pragmatically addressing future challenges. Until we meet again, let us continue to make small and giant strides and ensure eye health is everyone’s business.
