IAPB Deploys an Intensive Work and Coordination Agenda in Peru

From September 15 to 19, the IAPB Latin America leadership team conducted a prominent official visit to Lima, Peru, aimed at strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, advancing national commitments to eye health ahead of the Global Summit, and participating in key regional academic spaces.

The IAPB Latin America delegation was comprised of:

• Valeria Sánchez Huerta, Chair of IAPB Latin America.
• Ryan Toews, Co-Chair for the IAPB Latin America Region.
• Fran Hida, Co-Chair for the IAPB Latin America Region.
• Cristina Sánchez Gauto, Regional Manager for IAPB Latin America.
• Isabel Hinojosa, Membership Coordinator for IAPB Latin America.

1. Workshop and Draft Commitments for the Global Summit

The agenda kicked off on Tuesday, September 15 at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (INO) with a participatory workshop. The meeting brought together representatives of IAPB members in Peru, officials from the Ministry of Health (MINSA), the Peruvian Society of Ophthalmology (SPO), Orbis International, and other key sector stakeholders. As a result of this joint working session, a first draft of Peru’s commitments was developed ahead of the Global Eye Health Summit.

2. High-Level Meeting at the Ministry of Health of Peru

On Wednesday, September 16, a delegation from the team—comprising Dr. Valeria Sánchez Huerta, Ryan Toews, and Cristina Sánchez Gauto—held a strategic meeting with senior Ministry of Health officials:

• María Sofía Cuba Fuentes, Vice Minister of Health.
• Luis Napoleón Quirós Avilés, Chief of Staff to the Minister.
• Percy Alberto Herrera Añaños, Executive Director of the Directorate for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable, Rare, and Orphan Diseases.

Given that the officials assumed their roles in July 28, the delegation presented the overall framework of the global and national Investment Case, the official invitation for the Minister of Health to the Global Summit, and the draft commitments previously worked on with IAPB members in Peru and key partners. The Vice Minister took note of the points discussed, expressed strong support for the initiative, and confirmed she would report on the meeting to the Minister of Health.

3. Strategic Participation in the OftalmoCiencia Innova 2026 Congress

From September 16 to 19, the full IAPB Latin America team actively participated in the OftalmoCiencia Innova 2026 congress, held at the Hotel Los Delfines in Lima.

This event was co-organized by an alliance of regional members and partner organizations: the National Institute of Ophthalmology (INO) of Peru, the Association to Prevent Blindness (APEC) and the Mexican Institute of Ophthalmology (IMO) of Mexico, Fundación Visión of Paraguay, and IAPB. During the congress, the delegation presented on global strategic initiatives, including the Investment Case and updates on the Global Summit 2026.