Urgent focus needed for eye health for older people in Africa

Governments, NGOs and global health leaders will meet in Cape Town today to champion eye health for older people living in Africa.

Africa’s population aged 60 and over is projected to triple – from 69 million in 2017 to 226 million by 2050. Yet many countries still lack national policies and programs to address eye health in later life. This is concerning, as 70 million people aged 50 and above across the continent are already living with avoidable vision loss.

The meeting organised by The Fred Hollows Foundation – an international development organisation – IAPB and International Federation on Ageing (IFA), marks a significant step forward in addressing a critical yet often overlooked public health issue.

The Foundation’s Deputy Country Director for Ethiopia Mr. Melesse Akalu said vision loss was not an inevitable part of growing older.

“We see firsthand how poor vision limits the lives of older people in our communities. But we also see the incredible difference made by access to affordable, quality eye care. This meeting is a powerful step toward national commitments that bring real change to older people in our communities” he said.

The Foundation’s Healthy Ageing Senior Advisor Dr Vânia De la Fuente-Núñez said: “This meeting puts healthy ageing on the map by placing eye health where it belongs – at the centre of policy conversations.

“We must ensure older people everywhere can access the eye care they need so they can age with dignity and full participation in society,” she said.

Dr. De la Fuente-Núñez said that while governments and partners across Africa increasingly recognised the urgent need for strategies to support the health of older people, eye health was neglected.

“This meeting addresses this gap. It raises awareness, strengthens regional collaboration, and seeks to align African priorities with the growing global agenda on eye health,” Dr. De la Fuente-Núñez said.

The event is being held alongside the 17th Global Conference on Ageing, highlighting the growing recognition of eye health as a key pillar of healthy ageing. Eye health is also featured within the conference programme through symposiums such as “Advancing Cross disciplinary Action to Support Vision, Hearing, and Brain Health in Later Life” and “Advancing Human Rights for Ageing Populations: Global Perspectives and Local Actions”, both taking place on Wednesday, September 10. This event also lays the groundwork for Africa to take a leading role at the Global Summit for Eye Health planned for 2026.

By focusing on the region’s specific challenges and opportunities in delivering eye care to older people, participating countries can build momentum for collective action.

IFA Secretary General Mr. Gregor Sneddon said the meeting was a vital addition to the 17th Global Conference on Ageing, offering a dedicated platform for critical dialogue to advance the eye health of older people.

“By joining forces now, we can shape a future where no older person is left behind due to preventable vision loss.”

IAPB Chair for West Africa Region, Mr. Senanu Quacoe-Wossinu said: “This meeting is a springboard for building a strong, unified regional voice and driving coordinated efforts across Africa. It’s an important step towards ensuring Africa’s priorities are represented at the first Global Summit for Eye Health in 2026.”

Media contact:
Mark Marnia – Global Communication Advisor, The Fred Hollows Foundation
[email protected]
+254 721 369 388