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IAPB’s World Sight Day Photo Competition Winners Announced

Published: 05.11.2025
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IAPB is thrilled to announce the winners of the 10th annual World Sight Day Photo Competition. Celebrating a decade of powerful storytelling through imagery, this year’s photo competition showcased the beauty, diversity, and impact of eye health when it is available, accessible and affordable to all. Photographers from around the world captured inspiring moments that tell the story of what it truly means to be able to #LoveYourEyes.

The judges have chosen “Shakul’s Eyes,” taken by Marijn Fidder in Uganda, as the Professional Photo of the Year, and “Makalika and her son post-surgery,” taken by Darren James in Samoa, as the Amateur Photo of the Year.

Selected from more than 500 entries across over 60 countries, the winning images beautifully reflect the spirit of World Sight Day, capturing the joy, dignity, and empowerment that come with better vision.

“The quality, creativity, and storytelling in this year’s submissions were outstanding,” said Courtenay Holden, Head of Communications and Campaigns at IAPB. “Each year we invite photographers to share images that celebrate the importance of eye care, and this year did not disappoint.”

Since its launch in 2015, the World Sight Day Photo Competition has become one of the most prominent global showcases for eye health photography. To mark the 10th anniversary, IAPB has unveiled a special digital exhibition, “Celebrating 10 Years of the World Sight Day Photo Competition, highlighting standout images and photographers from the past decade.

This year’s judging panel brought together leading voices from eye health, photography, and media, including:

  • Samit Sakib Gore – Director of Operations & Innovation, Vision Friend Sakib Gore
  • Anne Cooper – Editorial Director, 20/20 Magazine and Vision Monday, Jobson Optical Group
  • Jessica Miller – Deputy Online Editor, Amateur Photographer Magazine, Photographer and Curator
  • Anna Braeken – Vice President, Global Ophthalmology Lead, Bayer
  • Abdullah Al-Majed – Saudi photographer and winner of the 2024 World Sight Day Photo Competition
  • Lucy Miller – Deputy Editor, Optometry Today (OT)

“It was honestly such a joy to go through the images. They carried so much emotion, warmth, and purpose,” said judge, Samit Sakib Gore, Director of Operations & Innovation at Vision Friend Sakib Gore. “Each photo was a reminder of why this work matters and how powerful a single moment can be when it restores not just sight, but life itself.”

“Bayer is honored to continue its support of the World Sight Day Photo Competition as it marks its 10th anniversary,” said, Anna Braeken, Vice President global Ophthalmology Lead at Bayer. “These images serve as a compelling reminder of the critical importance of access to eye care and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities. As part of our commitment to improving health and quality of life, Bayer is dedicated to advancing solutions that help people see a better life.”