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The United Nations’ resolution, ”Vision for Everyone,” was a watershed moment for global eye health. It was the first-ever UN agreement explicitly focused on preventing avoidable sight loss, firmly anchoring eye care within the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This was a monumental achievement for our sector, linking eye health to 8 of the 17 SDGs and recognising its integral role in health, education, economic development, and overall well-being.
However, turning the resolution into tangible action at the national level, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), presents unique challenges and opportunities. Last week I had the honour of representing IAPB at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, who’s leadership in the United Nations was key to the UN Resolution and the Friends of Vision Group. The conference brought together over 3,000 participants, including 22 Heads of State, to discuss development challenges and opportunities for this group of vulnerable countries. Our speakers at our high-level side event on ‘Delivering Universal Eye Care’ at the Conference included the Foreign Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, the UN Ambassadors for Ireland and Portugal, UN Agencies, and experts from our member organisations, PACEyes and the Brenda Stafford Foundation.
The SIDS Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
SIDS often face specific hurdles in providing comprehensive eye care due to limited infrastructure, a scarcity of eye care professionals, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. These factors can disrupt supply chains, increase the incidence of eye conditions, and create barriers to accessing essential eye care services.
Yet, prioritising eye care in SIDS is not just about overcoming obstacles; it is also about unlocking potential. Investing in eye health yields impressive returns across multiple sectors:
Bold Commitments to Eye Health
The main outcome of the SIDS4 Conference, The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), set out a bold new 10-year plan of action to deliver meaningful change. The ABAS includes a commitment to “Establishing an integrated and whole-of-government approach to address the growing challenges of vision impairment, particularly myopia and other preventable conditions, including integrating comprehensive eye care services as part of PHC and UHC”. This commitment comes just days after Commonwealth Health Ministers met in Geneva ahead of the World Health Assembly and reaffirmed their commitment to eye health as a cornerstone of universal health coverage (UHC) and health security.
The Power of Collective Advocacy
At IAPB, we understand the power of partnerships and collective action. Our network of over 200 organisations – NGOs, private sector entities, professional bodies, research institutions, and eye hospitals – has been at the heart of driving progress. Increasingly, our collective advocacy extends to the national level, working together with the WHO and our members to integrate eye care into national health plans and strategies. In addition, our public awareness campaigns, like World Sight Day, have galvanised millions to prioritise their eye health.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
In 2026, we mark the fifth anniversary of the UN resolution. This presents a crucial opportunity for the international community to bring to life its commitment to “Vision for Everyone.” We call upon global leaders to:
By working together, we can make the vision of a world where no one has avoidable sight loss a reality. The next decade is critical – let’s seize this moment to reach the billion people especially those who live in Small Island Developing States, who still lack access to the eye care they desperately need.
Launch of the WHO Global Eye Health Research Agenda and Call to Join the Consultative Process
