A Brief Review of Milestones in the Global Program for the Prevention of Blindness

- Compiled by Terrence Gillen

2005
The IAPB decides to play the role of an information clearinghouse, to help ensure rehabilitation and support to the victims of the Boxing Day/South East Asia Tsunami. 

Three new members join IAPB, taking its membership strength to 46.

2004
The Seventh General Assembly is held in collaboration with the World Health Organization in Dubai, UAE, from September 20 to 24, 2004. Nearly 600 delegates from some 75 countries participate in scientific presentations, courses and attend plenary sessions that reflected the theme "Partnership". On all counts the Assembly is the most successful ever, both in terms of participation and the quality of presentations and deliberations. 

The Assembly is also the occasion for a change in the leadership of the IAPB, with new officers elected to lead the Agency over the next four years. The Assembly also ratifies a new constitution and significant changes in the structure of the Agency, which will make its functioning more streamlined and efficient, so as to achieve the goals of its primary programme, VISION 2020: The Right to Sight.

An updated version of the Tool Kit, Version II, is circulated to all countries and organizations involved in Blindness Prevention.

The WHO releases new data on the prevalence of global blindness on December 16th, 2004. According to the new figures, in 2002, 161 million people were visually impaired, of whom 124 million people had low vision and 37 million were blind. Cataract (47.8%) continues to be a major cause for global blindness, especially in the developing countries. Glaucoma (12.3%), Age-related Macular Degeneration (8.7%) and Diabetic Retinopathy (4.8%), along with Cataract account for close to 75% of all blindness in the world. Taking into account the changes in world population over the past 12 years, the extent of blindness and visual impairment in 2002 appears to be lower than was projected - 37 million instead of the projected 52 million.

However, the WHO states that an increasing number of people are at risk of visual impairment as populations grow and people live longer, and hence there is no cause for complacency.

2003
In May 2003, the WHO Resolution on Elimination of Avoidable Blindness was adopted by the 56th World Health Assembly, which calls on all member states to commit themselves to VISION 2020 plans by 2005. Further, member states are to establish national coordinating committees, which are to implement the national plans by 2007. The resolution also supports the mobilization of resources to achieve a successful program. In response to the acceptance of the Resolution, the VISION 2020 Tool Kit is developed to provide guidance and support for Governments and health professionals at all stages of development in 2003. 

On the occasion of World Sight Day, Pope John Paul II officially recognises "VISION 2020: The Right to Sight" and blessed the fight against blindness around the world.

2002
Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General of the World Health Organization, launches 'The State of World Blindness' report on World Sight Day in Geneva. The report looks at issues surrounding blindness, cost of global blindness and highlight the achievements and future goals of VISION 2020.