What is the Global Optometry Public Health Alliance (GOPHA)?

GOPHA is an alliance focused on strengthening access to essential eye care and integrating optometry within public health systems globally.

What was the goal of the January 2026 public health forum?

The forum aimed to enhance eye care access for underserved communities and position optometry centrally within public health systems.

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Eye Care Goes Global: New Health Forum Launched

Q: How does optometry contribute to WHO SPECS 2030 targets?

Optometry contributes by focusing on prevention, early detection, and integration with primary healthcare, aligning with WHO's vision for blindness prevention.

21 Jan

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Summary

A new global forum was launched on January 19, 2026.
Over 900 delegates from 69 countries attended the event.
The forum integrates optometry into public health systems.

Eye Care Goes Global: New Health Forum Launched

The Global Optometry Public Health Alliance (GOPHA), in collaboration with the India Vision Institute (IVI), launched a significant public health forum on Monday, January 19, 2026. This event convened experts to strengthen access to essential eye care for marginalized populations worldwide.

The forum, titled 'Synergizing Global Efforts: The Vital Role of Optometry in Achieving WHO SPECS 2030 Targets,' emphasized embedding eye health within public health systems. Discussions focused on prevention, early detection, and integration with primary healthcare, aligning with WHO's SPECS 2030 framework.

More than 900 delegates representing 69 countries engaged in dialogues underscoring eye health's systemic importance. Key figures like Kovin Naidoo (GOPHA), Cindy Tromans (World Council of Optometry), and Stuart Keel (WHO) highlighted optometry's contribution to global eye health goals. Vinod Daniel (IVI) stressed the profession's role in primary eye care delivery and community action.