2030 IN SIGHT LIVE to Spotlight Economic Benefits of Eye Health Investment in Kenya and beyond

Kenya is hosting the 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE conference from 4th to 6th June 2026 at the Raddison Blu in Nairobi, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, development partners, civil society organisations, and eye health experts to accelerate progress towards universal access to quality eye care by 2030. 

Hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in partnership with the Government of Kenya, the conference will convene more than 130 speakers from 38 countries, including representatives from Africa, North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, positioning Nairobi as a key global platform for discussions on strengthening eye health systems, innovation, workforce development, financing, and access to eye care services. 

New research to be presented during the conference will further highlight the economic importance of investing in eye health in Kenya, with findings showing that every dollar invested in eye health could generate a tenfold economic return. The findings show that investing USD 25.5 million in Kenya’s eye care services between 2026 and 2030 could generate approximately USD 265 million in economic benefits, through increased employment, higher productivity, improved educational outcomes, and reduced poverty. 

Kenya has already demonstrated that progress in eye health is possible, recording a 47 per cent reduction in blindness prevalence over the last three decades. This progress reflects sustained collaboration between government, partners, healthcare workers, and communities. 

The Kenyan Government is expected to further demonstrate its commitment to advancing eye health and strengthening access to quality eye care services across the country, by announcing a new national eye health plan. This plan outlines its priorities for improving access to eye care services and addressing avoidable blindness and visual impairment. 

The flagship conference reflects growing collaboration between the Government of Kenya and leading eye health organisations, including Christian Blind Mission (CBM), The Fred Hollows Foundation, GoodVision, and Sightsavers. All of which continue to support eye health programmes and service delivery in Kenya and across the region. 

The conference will also serve as an important milestone ahead of the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health, to be hosted by Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026. The IAPB’s Value of Vision research shows that investing USD 7 billion in eye health across low- and middle-income countries worldwide could return USD 199 billion in economic benefits – making it one of the best investments in global health. 

 Peter Holland, Chief Executive of the IAPB, said: 

“Kenya recognises the value of investing in eye health and, with strong support from partners, has made impressive progress strengthening its eye care services. There is more to do, but the evidence is clear that investment in eye health delivers substantial social and economic returns. 

“Reflecting this momentum, our flagship event – 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE – is being held in Kenya, and will showcase progress from across the world. It also marks an important step towards the first‑ever Global Summit for Eye Health in Antigua and Barbuda.”