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Eye Care Goes Global: New Health Forum Launched
21 Jan
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.
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.
