Why 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, Nepal is the place to be!

Back in 2017, IAPB organised a global event then titled Council of Members in Kathmandu. It was also one year into me joining IAPB. I remember meeting so many people from across the globe- each one tirelessly and sustainably working in their corner of the world to make a difference in eye care, wanting to learn how to advocate effectively, and securing the resources to scale up their work/programmes. 

Since then, I have had the privilege to attend several global events on behalf of IAPB. Each time I am amazed by the energy and enthusiasm of all the people I meet. Whether they are CEOs, programme managers or, communications staff- they share an unwavering passion for eye care. At these events, we come together to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn how to make eye care available, accessible and affordable for all. 

As we return to Kathmandu for our global annual event 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE in April, a lot has changed in the global eye care landscape- VISION 2020 has concluded, we have Integrated People Centred Eye Care ( IPEC), part of WHO’s Word Report on Vision and (a key part of the integrate pillar of 2030 In Sight Strategy) ; member states have successfully championed the first landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution on Vision and efforts are on towards advancing goals of the Global Summit for Eye Health 2026.  

So, why Nepal? Well, I would ask: why not? Nepal has truly led the way in advancing eye health. It was the first country in the region to eliminate blinding trachoma in 2018. Furthermore, Nepal has conducted Rapid Assessments of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) at regular intervals and is now undertaking an Eye Care Service Assessment Tool (ECSAT). Over the years, it has consistently demonstrated a remarkable reduction in the prevalence of blindness. 

In line with this progress, Nepal’s health strategy aligns with global initiatives such as IPEC’s target on effective Coverage of Cataract Surgery (eCSC), which was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2021. Beyond that, Nepal has long been a staunch supporter of eye health resolutions at the World Health Assembly, backed the call for the appointment of the first-ever Special Envoy on Vision, and addressed eye health concerns in their 2024 Voluntary National Reviews. Additionally, the country is actively working on reducing taxes on prescription glasses, further showcasing its commitment to improving vision care for its people. 

As we work to gain support from global leaders and governments to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to quality eye care and the opportunity to reach their full potential, Nepal serves as the perfect host for this important initiative. 

Continuing where we left off at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Mexico in 2024, this time around we will feature abstract submissions. The programme for the event is coming together and will consist of three streams based on sharing best practices, demonstrating and accelerating progress to the 2030 In Sight Strategy with the Global Summit for Eye Health being a key thread to all sessions. Four in-country members are supporting us at this event, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, BP Eye Foundation, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Nepal Eye Hospital. 

As we prepare for the Global Summit for Eye Health, Kathmandu is the place to be if you’re looking to be a part of a meaningful conversation that shapes the future of eye care. This event offers an invaluable opportunity to join us in accelerating progress towards eliminating avoidable blindness and fostering the political will needed to turn resolutions into action. Together, we can work towards ensuring that eye care becomes available, accessible, and affordable for the over one billion people worldwide who are living with vision loss that could have been prevented. 

Register your place today: https://www.iapb.world/2030_in_sight_live_nepal