12 Reasons to Celebrate in 2025 

We’ve been making extraordinary progress together in recent years. 2025 marked a period of continued momentum and action for global eye health as we advance toward next year’s first ever Global Summit for Eye Health. 

We are, of course, living through an extremely turbulent, challenging and fast changing period. Significant geopolitical and economic changes have created a new landscape that we are all trying to understand and navigate. The implications for international aid, health and multilateral cooperation have had immediate and profound impacts on health, infrastructure and education programmes worldwide. 

So the challenge feels bigger than ever. And that is why we need continue to make the case for the critical importance of eye health.  

One of our sector’s greatest strengths is our unity. A common and shared purpose that drives us all. It is this spirit of collaboration that enables us to remain resilient, to adapt and meet the current challenges.  

Working with our nearly 300 members, our achievements this year are a testament to what we can accomplish together: from welcoming new partners to convening colleagues at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE in Nepal, from releasing new data that sheds light on reality of the value of vision to more countries eliminating trachoma. With that in mind, I am proud to share with my highlights from the past year. 

1. Building Momentum Toward the Global Summit for Eye Health

2025 marked a critical moment. In September, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced at the UN General Assembly in New York that they will host the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health in November 2026. Taking place five years after the historic UN Resolution on Vision, this Summit offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring together Heads of Government, the private sector, and civil society to commit to ending avoidable sight loss. To secure a new wave of political and financial commitments, the Summit will challenge leaders to Act through high-level government leadership, Allocate the resources needed to deliver eye care for all, and Accelerate progress by harnessing technology and scaling key interventions. 

2. 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Nepal 

Held in April 2025, 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Nepal brought together over 800 participants from more than 60 countries, including a welcome from the Prime Minister of Nepal. At this crucial halfway point in the 2030 In Sight Strategy, we were joined by leaders, advocates, campaigners, and changemakers who gathered to shape collective action and confront the global eye health crisis. ​ With strong support from IAPB Members, the Kathmandu event set the stage for the next phase of advocacy. We look forward to building on the momentum and insights gained at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Kenya in 2026, these annual events ensure eye health remains a priority through 2030 and beyond. ​ 

 3. Vision Atlas 3.0​- Data driving change 

In 2025, the Vision Atlas has undergone its most transformative update yet. It has evolved into a dynamic, decision-driving tool, rich with new features, expanded data and storytelling capabilities that inform action at every level.  

The Vision Atlas is a great practical tool to support advocacy, influence policy and unlock investment. It enables users to explore national and global eye health data, track progress, identify gaps and use evidence to strengthen the case for integrating eye health into Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Vision Atlas provides the context and credibility needed to drive impact. The platform is powered by the latest findings from the Vision Loss Expert Group (VLEG), Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) studies, World Health Organization reports on effective coverage, ECSATs and assistive technology surveys, alongside data from 2030 In Sight Progress surveys and the Eye Health Commitment Tracker. Together, these sources ensure the data members use is both rigorous and relevant.  

From its roots in visualisation to a full-fledged global resource, the Vision Atlas continues to grow. It is a shared platform for collective progress, its continued impact is dependent on collaboration across the IAPB membership through the contribution of new data, case studies and real-world examples of use. 

4. The Value of Vision – Making the Economic Case Globally 

With the support of the Seva Foundation and The Fred Hollows Foundation we launched the Value of Vision – the case for investing in eye health on the new improved Vision Atlas. The report demonstrates that every $1 invested in eye health delivers a $28 return. The UN Friends of Vision took this data to the 80th United Nations General Assembly, using the findings to underpin the announcement of next year’s Global Summit for Eye Health and advocate for national eye health strategies. This combination of groundbreaking evidence and high-level advocacy helps us establish eye health as a key driver of economic growth and social inclusion. 

5. The Champalimaud Prize 

IAPB was honoured to be awarded this year’s António Champalimaud Vision Prize for “”extraordinary, sustained support of programs for the prevention and cure of blindness around the world”. We shared the award with the Lions Clubs International Foundation (SightFirst Program) and The Fred Hollows Foundation – many congratulations to them. , It’s an amazing tribute to and recognition of the work of IAPB and, particularly, our members, over many decades.  

 6. Bloomberg Philanthropies Vision Initiative 

2025 brought a landmark commitment into eye health from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ of US$75 million over the next two year – one of the largest single philanthropic investments ever made in the sector. This funding will help scale interventions, strengthen national programmes, support innovation, and accelerate progress towards universal access to quality, affordable eye care. IAPB, along with many of our members, are proud to be part of the Vision Initiative, and look forward to working with partners and Bloomberg Philanthropies over the next two years.  

7. World Sight Day – A movement in action with people at its heart 

World Sight Day 2025 was an impressive display of global campaigning. Each year members bring the campaign to life, and this year was no exception. From parliamentary screenings to publishing the country specific economic gains for investing in eye health, World Sight Day and Love Your Eyes captured the world’s attention and shone an important light on eye health for all. To mark the day, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, celebrated England Lioness and Chelsea Football Goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton with a Love Your Eyes Special Recognition Award for her efforts to inspire a new generation to love their eyes and follow their dreams. With millions of campaigners adding their voices and eye health proving to be an important global headline, #LoveYourEyes and #WorldSightDay reached nearly 200 million people and covered in over 15.5k media articles. 

8. Every Story Counts 

Whether you are a person living with avoidable sight loss, a caregiver, an advocate, a parent, an eye health practitioner, or a professional who has dedicated your career to ending avoidable sight loss, you have something special: a unique eye health story. Therefore, we introduced Every Story Counts as an opportunity to our share eye health stories and remind everyone that behind each important data point is a real person. Hundreds of stories, and counting, have inspired, enlightened and informed audiences, reaching millions and highlighting that eye health isn’t an abstract issue, but one that touches every life and livelihood.   

9. Supporting the Sector’s Future Leaders  

IAPB recognises that the future of eye health depends on bold, committed, and imaginative leadership. This year, we proudly celebrated nine outstanding emerging leaders through the 2025 Young Systems Leader Awards, individuals who are already shaping stronger, more inclusive eye health systems in their countries and regions. The 2025 awardees can be found here, exceptional young leaders that embody creativity, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to equitable eye health and will help shape the future of the sector for years to come. 

10. Advocating for Eye Health 

In her role as Global Ambassador for IAPB, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women to highlight the critical connection between eye health and gender equity on the global stage. Speaking at an event hosted by the UN Friends of Vision and coordinated by The Fred Hollows Foundation, Her Royal Highness addressed the audience of United Nations Ambassadors and UN Agency staff, to underscored that improving eye health, particularly for women and girls, is essential for advancing gender equity, she said, “I am here today to stress to.-l’ you the importance and imperative of eye health…I assure you, when we get it right with eye health it has incredible life changing, far reaching positive impacts beyond the act of saving or resorting sight. A resolution on “Primary prevention and integrated care for sensory impairments” was adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly. The resolution reaffirmed eye and hearing care as essential components of Universal Health Coverage.  

And this year, 14 countries included eye health in their Voluntary National Review (VNR), the report countries make on their implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. This is twice as many as last year and reflects growing recognition that eye health is integral to delivering the SDGs. 

11. Growing Strength of IAPB Membership  

IAPB continued to expand its membership base in 2025, adding 12 new organisations across regions and health disciplines, with 260 in total now. Specsavers joined IAPB as a group A member, while Restoring Vision upgraded from Group B to Group A membership. Other new members include Ace Global, Media Mice, SEE Together Ltd, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, YWAM Medical Ships and TanZanEye e.V.  In addition the IAPB Valued Supplier Scheme gained: Aston Vision Sciences, Glance Optical, Microtrack and Eyegen Medica as new members. Each new member adds to the collective strength in and importantly deepens expertise, increases the reach of eye health messaging and builds a formidable demand for action. We are grateful for all our members support and commitment to our mission over the past year. 

12. Celebrating Collective Impact Across the Sector 

The eye health community achieved remarkable milestones in 2025, from disease elimination to new partnerships and expanded service delivery. Several countries, including Vietnam, Fiji, Egypt, Burundi, and Papua New Guinea, were validated by WHO for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, major victories that demonstrate what long-term collaboration and community-based programs can achieve. IAPB members also advanced national and regional eye health agendas through new partnerships, workplace initiatives, screening programmes, and local advocacy efforts. These achievements highlight the power of collective action, and the real-world impact delivered by our global network. 

Looking ahead: 2026 will be a transformational year 

As we build momentum towards next year’s Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua and Barbuda, in the words of Ambassador Aubrey Webson, 2026 is our opportunity to “turn words on paper to action for people”, and political will into practical solutions and investment. We look forward to all our members being a part of a great year, and hope you can join us at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE in Nairobi. Do encourage others to join us too for this momentous year.  

To our partners, members, advocates, campaigners, and champions across the world – thank you. Your commitment continues to push eye health higher on global agendas and deeper into community action.  

On behalf of the entire IAPB team, we wish all those celebrating a Happy Christmas and a bright start to the year ahead. May 2026 bring renewed energy, shared success, and continued momentum for eye health for all.