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To mark World Sight Day, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, Global Ambassador for IAPB, has presented England Lioness and Chelsea Football Club Goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton with a ‘Love Your Eyes Special Recognition Award’. The award acknowledges Hannah’s efforts to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and inspire others with her eye health story.
Born with strabismus, a serious vision condition that left her with almost no depth perception, Hannah underwent multiple surgeries before the age of three to improve her sight. Although some eye health specialists advised her to avoid sport, her determination and the support of her parents ensured she could pursue her passion for football.
“Football was what made me the happiest,” said Hampton. “My parents always said that if it made me happy, they wouldn’t be the ones to stop me. I just had to train differently and adapt to the challenges of my vision condition.”
“When I look at the career I enjoy today, I know it wouldn’t have been possible without eye care when I was young,” she added. “Millions of people around the world live with sight conditions. I was one of the lucky ones who could get care”.
Jessica Thompson, Deputy CEO, IAPB, praised Hampton’s courage and advocacy, saying, “Hannah’s story is a reminder that when people have access to early eye care, they can go on to achieve remarkable things. Her determination and success show that a vision condition does not have to define someone’s future.”
As Global Ambassador for IAPB, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh has championed global efforts to make eye care available, accessible and affordable for all. Her work includes advocating for the elimination of blindness across the Commonwealth, including visiting eye care programs to highlight the transformative power of eye health.
The award presentation followed a ceremony hosted by the College of Optometrists, where Her Royal Highness received an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her own contribution to eye health and her ongoing commitment to improving eye health worldwide. The Duchess was the guest of honor at the College’s Royal Charter anniversary reception, marking 30 years of its Charter.
