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New York, NY (October 9, 2024) – The United Nations Friends of Vision group and UNICEF are this week hosting sight screenings and an exhibition at UNICEF House and the UN Head Quarters in New York. The events, held in recognition of World Sight Day 2024 on 10th October are to raise awareness about the importance of child eye health and the critical need for accessible and early eye care interventions.
Certified eye care professionals from UN Friends of Vision Secretariate members VisionSpring and OneSight Foundation as well as the World Council of Optometry were on hand to conduct the screenings, dispense glasses and provide advice. The events were open to all UN and UNICEF staff as well as those working in UN Missions.
Founder and Co-chair of the UN Friends of Vision Group Ambassador Aubrey Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations said “The UN Friends of Vision group, supported by our friends in the sight sector are pleased to host these two screenings at the UN Head Quarters and UNICEF House to raise awareness of the global issue of poor vision, especially among children around the world who need access to affordable eye health.”
Nearly 400 UN staff members, including everyone from Chef de Cabinet Earle Courtenay Rattray and the Permanent Representatives of Greece, Cuba, and Haiti to UN security guards, received sight tests during the two events.
Speaking at the event Andrés Franco, Secretary of the Executive Board, UNICEF said “UNICEF house is the house of children, everything that matters to children matters to us, this event shows how important it is to take care of children’s eyes.”
Co-chair of the UN Friends of Vision Group Ambassador Fergal Mythen, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations also spoke at the event saying “Eye health is an agenda that is so positive, it’s so achievable, so doable across the globe. Yes, today is about eye health, but it’s also about education, sustainable development, gender, but above all it’s about unleashing the potential of so many people.”
“Half of sight loss in children can be easily prevented or treated, most often with nothing more than a pair of glasses,” says Caroline Casey, President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). “Glasses are one of the most effective health interventions for children. In the lead up to World Sight Day, we are reminding everyone about the importance of prioritising their eye health and to seek out regular eye exams, especially for the children in your lives.”
The event also featured a photography exhibition of images showcasing the work of IAPB members in promoting child eye health. This year’s Love Your Eyes campaign for World Sight Day is highlighting the importance of children and young people leading the charge in advocating for eye care that is accessible, available and affordable.
