Refractive Error Strategy

Context

Refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment globally, yet millions of people still lack access to the glasses or treatment they need. Uncorrected refractive error hold children back in school, limit economic opportunities, and reduce overall quality of life.

The Refractive Error Strategy Group provides leadership and technical guidance to IAPB members and stakeholders on key priorities related to refractive error. This group plays a central role in aligning efforts with the 2030 In Sight strategy, ensuring evidence-based approaches to refractive error correction, advocating for global policy change, and supporting the development of sustainable and scalable eye care solutions.

This strategy group integrates the work of four previous IAPB groups:

• Refractive Error Work Group
• School Eye Health Group
• Vision Rehabilitation Group
• Refractive Error Advocacy Group
• By consolidating these areas, the group works more effectively to address challenges in refractive error care through a coordinated and results-driven approach.

Purpose

The Refractive Error Strategy Group is responsible for:

• Aligning activities with 2030 In Sight strategy and supporting its implementation
• Defining and developing priority initiatives
• Evaluating progress and learning from sector-wide efforts
• Driving communication and advocacy to advance the refractive error agenda

The group operates through specialized sub-groups, each co-led by members from the Refractive Error Membership Group and the Core Strategy Group. Sub-groups follow structured work plans and report on progress quarterly.

Advocacy Sub-Group 

This sub-group focuses on leveraging political momentum to integrate refractive error into global development agendas. Its work involves engaging with the United Nations and other global bodies to ensure refractive error is recognised as a development priority. It also promotes a people-centred approach to vision care, which includes health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. In addition, the group develops and implements global advocacy strategies aimed at securing political commitment and sustainable funding for refractive error programmes. 

Coordination & Communication Sub-Group 

The Coordination & Communication Sub-Group plays a key role in strengthening collaboration across the eye health sector. It serves as the primary link to the WHO SPECS 2030 Initiative, supporting the rollout of national member networks. The group also coordinates IAPB’s involvement in The Coalition for Clear Vision (TTCV) and other similar groups to amplify collective action. Through IAPB’s regional structures, it facilitates national-level coordination and cross-sector collaboration. Additionally, it works to enhance alignment and shared learning across IAPB’s other strategy groups. 

Research & Evidence Sub-Group 

This sub-group provides technical expertise and fosters sector-wide learning through the collection and dissemination of evidence on refractive error solutions. It supports IAPB members by offering technical guidance on effective interventions, while also documenting and sharing best practices from across the sector. A key focus of the group is encouraging the broader adoption of evidence-based models of care to improve the quality and consistency of services. 

Myopia Sub-Group 

In response to the growing global epidemic of myopia, this sub-group is dedicated to developing a coordinated sector response. Its efforts are focused on uniting stakeholders around shared goals, raising awareness of the issue, and supporting the implementation of effective, scalable strategies to prevent the onset and address myopia, particularly among children and young people.