(PRESS RELEASE) SINGAPORE — The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has welcomed over 300 delegates to Singapore for 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE. The event, hosted in partnership with the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), has gathered experts and thought leaders from eye health and development sectors and beyond to address one of the world’s most pressing development issues – eye care for all.
Opening the event, H.E. Ambassador Webson, Permanent Representative from Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations and IAPB Global Ambassador said, “We have an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate and campaign on many fronts and domains to make sure eye health is universally understood and make it a core part development.”
Dr Tedros, WHO director-general, addressed those gathered by video, saying, “The loss of eyesight is a tragedy. But when it happens despite being preventable, that is an outrage…WHO, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and our partners are working together with countries around the world to address the massive unmet need for eye care.”
Caroline Casey, IAPB president said, “We are in this moment of radical collaboration…for what we all want is a world where everyone belongs, is seen and heard. To end avoidable sight loss – it is up to us together to take action.
2030 IN SIGHT LIVE is the largest gathering to advance accessible, available and affordable eye care to all by 2030. The program celebrated more than fifty percent female representation of speakers and showcased pressing topics from inclusion of eye health in future Sustainable Development Goals to campaigning for change and financing mechanisms.
The event is the platform to mobilize and inspire action on 2030 In Sight, a 10-year strategy launched in 2021, that builds on the great work already done to progress eye care for all in the last decade.
Prof Aung Tin, chief executive officer of Singapore National Eye Centre, said, “It is wonderful to have so many delegates and speakers here in Singapore for 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE. This event represents an extraordinary opportunity for collaboration as we gather as a global community to workshop some of the greatest challenges to universal access to eye care. I encourage everyone to transcend borders, cultures, and disciplines for our common purpose.”
For more information about 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, the 2030 In Sight Strategy or IAPB visit iapb.org