IAPB symposium in All India Ophthalmology Congress – International Ophthalmology Conclave

The All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) hosts an annual International Ophthalmology Conclave on a virtual platform, drawing a significant audience from its 26000+ members and from across the South East Asia region, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The recent fourth edition of the Conclave, held from January 26-28, 2024, garnered substantial attention. 

During the event, a virtual symposium focusing on the IAPB sectoral strategy, 2030 In sight, took place on January 26, 2024. I had the privilege of moderating the session, where esteemed speakers delved into various aspects of the IAPB Sectoral Strategy 2030 In Sight. 

Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, presented on the elements of the 2030 In Sight strategy, emphasizing its alignment with the WHO strategy of Integrated People-Centered Eye Care. He highlighted that eye health is not merely a health issue but a development issue that cuts across several of the Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, achieving global targets necessitates a multisectoral approach. 

Jissa James, Knowledge Manager at IAPB, discussed the pivotal role of the Vision Atlas and Knowledge Hub within the IAPB framework. She emphasized the significance of evidence-based planning in eye care, citing the scarcity of eye health data in many countries and regions. She also demonstrated the utility of IAPB’s eye health data repository and how it can help to elevate eye health in facilitating evidence-based decision-making for eye health planners. 

Dr. Rohit Khanna, IAPB Regional Chair for South East Asia (SEA), provided insights into the current status and readiness of SEA countries in implementing the 2030 In Sight strategy and WHO’s Integrated People-Centered Eye Care strategy. He emphasized the importance of accelerating action on resource mobilization to acheive the global targets on eye health by 2030.  

In my presentation during the symposium, I outlined how IAPB have undertaken the process of translating global strategies and resolutions into national eye health policies and plans in the SEA region. 

Andreas Mueller, Consultant in Vision and Eye Programme at WHO Geneva, shed light on WHO SPECS 2030 initiatives, particularly focusing on achieving effective coverage of refractive error (eREC). He elucidated on WHO’s leadership role in this initiative and emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors. 

For those who missed the event, the recorded video is available at the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39jL8MYiXxI