World Sight Day Photo Competition invites photographers to shoot their shot!

IAPB’s IAPB World Sight Day Photo Competition has, since 2015, played a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of eye health and the global efforts to prevent avoidable blindness. 

Supported by Bayer Ophthalmology, the competition once again invites amateur and professional photographers from around the world to demonstrate their skills and share with the world what it means to Love Your Eyes. 

“The World Sight Day Photo Competition is a powerful reminder that every picture tells a story – and every story has the power to change the world. I encourage everyone to get out there and use your cameras to capture the beauty of sight, the resilience of those facing vision loss, and the unwavering commitment to a world where everyone can see,” said competition judge Busisiwe Mzyece. 

To coincide with this year’s World Sight Day theme of child eye health, the competition has added the category ‘Love Your Child’s Eyes’. The new category celebrates the importance of protecting children’s vision and gives photographers the opportunity to showcase different aspects of how healthy vision in children can impact a young life. The Love Your Child’s Eyes category sits alongside four other categories, including, Love Your Eyes, Love Health for All, Eye-Sights, and Love Your Eyes at Work. 

“We are continually inspired by the hundreds of beautiful images submitted each year that truly capture the spirit of ‘Love Your Eyes’,” said Courtenay Holden, IAPB Head of Communcations and Campaigns. “They are such a wonderful celebration of World Sight Day and what it means to strive for eye care that is accessible, available and affordable to all. I invite anyone with a camera or smartphone to enter!” 

Photographers of all experience levels have the chance to win big, through the competition two streams, amateur and professional. The winning professional entry will receive a prize of $1,000 USD and the title of World Sight Day Photo of the Year, while the top amateur photographer will take home $750 USD. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, this is an opportunity to not only share your unique perspective but also earn recognition on a global scale. 

“The submissions we receive from around the world become part of a much bigger story. They help us show decision makers and global leaders just how crucial eye health is to individuals, communities and economies. These powerful images capture the real-life impact of sight loss and the importance of ensuring everyone, everywhere, has access to the eye care they need,” added Holden.  

Entries close on 17 October 2024 and can be submitted at www.iapb.world/photo_competition

Image by Jamshyd Masud for LRBT Pakistan.