Eye health is linked with a range of other development areas. We’re working to strengthen areas of overlap between primary eye care and primary health care in our countries of operation. In doing so, we’re able to address the root causes of avoidable vision loss.
For example, our community health workers link families with primary health centres for immunizations, pre- and post-natal care, and other critical services.
In some regions in Africa, we also bring fresh water and hygiene education to communities, to help prevent the spread of trachoma, a blinding eye disease.
In 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted the integrated people-centred eye care (IPEC) resolution. The IPEC resolution recommends a continuum of health interventions that address the full spectrum of eye conditions. This means integrating eye health into the national health system; focusing on primary health care; ensuring better coordination of services and creating an enabling environment. It is also critical that we incorporate the eye health needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in rural settings, in the national and local health care policies and plans.
Since 2009, Operation Eyesight has been implementing our Hospital-Based Community Eye Health model, which is already in alignment with the IPEC resolution’s recommendations. We also work with global and national coalitions and local governments, advocating for universal health care that includes eye health care.
2024 highlights
