A new look for IAPB’s ‘Focus On’ series

Over the years IAPB has successfully run its ‘Focus On’ series, attracting hundreds of participants and some of the world’s thought leaders for ‘Focus On Glaucoma’ and ‘Focus On Diabetes’. In 2022, we are excited to continue our ‘Focus On’ series with two pertinent subjects – Child Eye Health and Gender Equity.

Traditionally ‘Focus On’ has concentrated knowledge sharing over the course of a single week. However, this year we are thrilled to be presenting a new format where we will continue to visit these topics throughout the year. By doing this, we will include more members than ever before and shine a brighter light on the work that is happening to push these important areas forward in the eye health sector and beyond.

With last years landmark UN Resolution for Vision cementing the links between eye health and the UN Sustainable Goals, Focus On Child Eye Health and Focus On Gender Equity will take an in depth look at SDG 4 Education and SDG 5 Gender Equality. Throughout the year, IAPB will work to raise the advocacy, awareness, and knowledge of these key eye health areas with policy and decision makers around the world taking note.

IAPBs School Eye Health and Gender Equity Work Groups will be highlighting their work and the important work of several of our other working groups.

Commenting on this years plans Peter Holland IAPB Chief Executive said “We know that there is a lot of great work happening to improve child eye health and gender equity. IAPBs patrons, members and others in the sector have amazing initiatives that are continuously advancing these areas and we look forward to learning, sharing, and contributing to this work.”

IAPBs patrons and long-term partners CooperVision will be supporting Focus On Child Eye Health and Santen will be supporting Focus On Gender Equity.

Focus On Child Eye Health

The need for a pair of glasses to see clearly is the leading cause of vision impairment in school-aged children and eye health services are a neglected part of child health interventions – often at the expense of a child’s potential. The need to address how the sector effectively integrates eye health into new and established health programs is vital to combat the ever-increasing need for care.

Focus On Gender Equity

Women and girls make up 55% of the world’s vision impaired, meaning that over half of the population is unable to reach their full potential due to vision loss. In many countries ​women cannot access services and assistive products with the same frequency or ease as their male counterparts.

IAPB wants to hear from people and organizations that are working in these two areas and learn more about initiatives that are advancing child eye health and gender equity? For more information contact Saloni Nagpaul at  [email protected]

Image on top: School eye exam/Nwakuso Aruotu