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On 18 August 2025, the National Strategic Plan for Eye Health (NSPEH) 2026–2030 Planning Workshop — which also marked the launch of the Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool (ECSAT) Report — was convened in Vientiane. The workshop was hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in collaboration with the Laos Eye Care Working Group (ECWG), with generous support from Good People International, Republic of Korea.
It brought together over 30 participants from a diverse range of sectors, including government ministries, the National Ophthalmology Center (NOC), provincial eye health institutions, international NGOs, and civil society organizations. This workshop came at a pivotal moment as Lao PDR prepares to conclude its National Strategic Plan for Eye Health 2021-2025, marked by achievements and lessons learned, and now looks ahead to its next leap toward universal eye health coverage.
Opening the meeting, Dr. Khamsay Detleuxay, Director General of the Department of Health Care and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Health, remarked, “This workshop represents an important opportunity to shape the future of eye health in Lao PDR”. He also added that “Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool (ECSAT) report can be used as a tool to guide evidence-based strategy and policy, noting that the findings and the forthcoming strategy will help ensure that no one is left behind in accessing eye care.”
Dr. Khamkhoune Holanouphap, Director of the National Ophthalmology Center, reflected on the progress and from the 2021–2025 plan and emphasised the importance of collective ownership and coordinated efforts. Over two days, participants worked collaboratively to validate a new vision, mission, and goals, and to identify priorities such as sustainable financing, integration into the national health system, capacity-building, and strengthening health information systems. The ECSAT report, launched alongside the workshop, provides a comprehensive assessment of progress, gaps, and opportunities, offering sound evidence to build the foundation for the next strategy.
Looking to the broader global context, Dr. Fabrizio D’Esposito, IAPB Western Pacific Regional Head, said “Laos is also on the road to the upcoming Global Summit for Eye Health, demonstrating its commitment to turning words into action for its people.”
The NSPEH 2026-2030 will serve as a guiding framework that will help the country realize its vision: “a Laos where everyone, everywhere has equitable access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive eye care, enabling them to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives”.
The Lao PDR ECSAT Report will be released and available online in September 2025.
