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In 2024, our focus in the region was on translating our sectoral strategy 2030 In Sight into national eye health policies and plans. The following are the highlights of our action:
IAPB SEA conducted a regional meeting where seven countries in the region participated: Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand. The purpose of the meeting was to accelerate efforts translating global resolutions and implementation of our strategy 2030 In Sight into national eye health policy and plan, and to leverage collaboration with WHO and IAPB members on this effort. The meeting also renewed efforts towards achieving the WHO Southeast Asia – Regional Action Plan on Integrated People Centered Eye Care targets.
To elevate our efforts, IAPB SEA also conducted a symposium during the 4th Annual International Ophthalmology Conclave conducted by All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) and the 39th Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress in Indonesia.
With our persistent advocacy efforts, Nepal has included eye health in Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) at the UN high level meeting on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in July this year.
In India, baseline estimates on Effective coverage of cataract surgery (eCSC) was established enabling it to set the target for 2030. Age-sex standardized and weighed eCSC in India was 36.7% (95% CI: 33.6, 39.9), and cataract surgical coverage (CSC) was 57.3% (95% CI: 53.3, 61.2), a relative quality gap in cataract surgery being 36.0%.
Bhutan completed the 5th National Health Survey (NHS). This comprehensive survey established the national baseline data on retina screening coverage for people with diabetes. The survey result shows that 51.4% of the individuals received an eye examination after being diagnosed with raised blood sugar. This will serve as the baseline for the regional target to ensure that at least 80% of people with diabetes are screened regularly for retinopathy by 2030.
Indonesia has formulated a 2025-2030 Roadmap for Vision Health efforts, designed to align with national health policies and strategies while addressing the country’s unique needs.
Prior to this development, the roadmap developmental team conducted the eye care situational analysis using the WHO Eye care situational analysis tool (ECSAT). The 2025-2030 Indonesia Roadmap for Vision Health Efforts was officially launched during the 2024 World Sight Day celebrations in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
All the preparations for IAPBs 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE global event which is scheduled to held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 29 April to 1st May 2025 are underway.
