Global Conference of Eye Health Organizations Begins in Nepal
An international conference of leading global eye care organizations has commenced in Nepal.
Organized for the first time in Nepal by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the event titled In Sight of Life 2030 has brought together representatives from IAPB member organizations working in the field of blindness prevention and eye health worldwide.
Participants and Membership
IAPB members typically include international philanthropic organizations, eye hospitals, academic institutions, professional associations, and corporate bodies engaged in the eye health sector.
In Nepal, IAPB members include:
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Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh
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Nepal Eye Hospital
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Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology
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BP Eye Foundation
As an umbrella organization for eye health institutions globally, IAPB actively advocates for eye health on the international stage.
Annual International Conferences
To encourage global collaboration in eye health, inspire leadership, and strengthen advocacy efforts, IAPB organizes annual international conferences in various countries.
The 2024 IAPB conference was held in Mexico.
Participation and Key Focus Areas
According to IAPB South East Asia Regional Chair Yuddha Dhoj Sapkota, around 500 participants from nearly 100 countries are attending the Nepal conference.
Dr. Shailesh Kumar Mishra, Executive Director of Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, stated that the conference will mainly focus on strategies and planning required for the global eye health sector up to the year 2030.
Impact on Nepal's Eye Care and Tourism
According to the General Secretary of the Sangh, Bharat Bahadur Chand, the conference will help internationalize Nepal’s eye care services and support the country’s tourism development.
He said, "It is a matter of pride for all of us that the ‘In Sight of Life 2030’ conference is being held in Nepal. This will help promote Nepal's eye care services globally and contribute to the growth of the tourism sector."
Eye Care Services Across Nepal
Under the Sangh, there are currently:
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28 eye hospitals
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160 eye care centers
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45 district branches
Since its establishment, the organization has treated a total of 43,626,000 eye patients — both from Nepal and abroad. It has also performed eye surgeries on 5,133,659 individuals.
