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Dear Friend,
It’s been a busy and inspiring few months across the region. From
Papua New Guinea to Lao PDR, collaboration continues to be at the
heart of our work. In this period, IAPB and its partners have been
working closely with governments, NGOs, and academic institutions to
advance national eye health strategies, strengthen primary health
systems, and ensure that no one is left behind. These collective
efforts are driving sustainable change and helping embed vision into
broader health and development agendas.
We also celebrated another successful World Sight Day—both across
the region and globally. Take a look below for some of the
highlights.
Fabrizio D'Esposito
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Integrating Eye Health into
National Health Systems
On August 18, Lao PDR took a significant step toward shaping
the future of eye health with the “National Strategic Plan for
Eye Health 2026–2030 Planning Workshop” in
Vientiane.
Co-Hosted by the Laos Eye Care Working Group and the IAPB
with support from Good People International, the event brought
together government leaders, health institutions, NGOs, and civil
society to chart a shared vision for eye
care.
The launch of the Eye Care Situation Analysis Tool (ECSAT)
Report provided critical evidence to guide priorities such as
sustainable financing, system integration, and
capacity-building. This milestone marks a meaningful step
toward embedding eye health into national health systems and
accelerating progress toward universal eye health
coverage.
Read
the full story
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Strengthening Eye Health in PNG
Papua New Guinea is turning commitment into action
through national eye health workshops held in March and September
2025. Government leaders, health professionals, and partners are
advancing the National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2025–2029 to ensure
equitable, integrated, and sustainable eye care for all.
Read the
full story.
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Advancing Sensory Health
In March, regional experts and partners met at the WHO Western
Pacific Office in Manila to advance sensory health—encompassing vision
and hearing. The meeting set the stage for a regional action plan to
integrate sensory care into health and development systems.
Read the
full story
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Early Intervention in Pediatric Myopia
From April to July, IAPB hosted four global roundtables on
paediatric myopia, uniting 70 experts from 25 countries. With strong
input from the Western Pacific, the discussions will inform a new
policy brief to guide early intervention strategies worldwide,
supported by Santen.
Learn
more.
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Diabetic eye disease
roundtable |
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A decade after the Chinese Medical Association’s 2014 joint
Call to Action on diabetes and
ophthalmology, leaders reconvened in Beijing on 28 September to turn
commitments into coordinated action.
The National Prevention of Blindness
Committee and the IAPB co-hosted a Diabetic
Eye Disease Roundtable, bringing together representatives
from government, leading hospitals, NGOs, and the private sector -
including experts from both the eye and diabetes
communities.
Discussions highlighted how innovations such as
AI screening and
biomarkers can transform care delivery. The
event also saw the launch of the Chinese version of a
Policy Brief on diabetic retinopathy co-authored by the International
Diabetes Federation and the
IAPB.
This roundtable is part of a global effort
sponsored by AbbVie, and received logistical support from
The Fred Hollows Foundation in
China.
Read
the full story
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Join us for the warm
welcome |
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Brandon Ah Tong as the new Regional Chair
With over 20 years of experience in eye health policy and
advocacy, Brandon has led impactful initiatives at Vision Australia,
Vision 2020 Australia, and The Fred Hollows Foundation, championing
equitable, people-centred eye care across the region and globally.
Living with blindness himself, he brings a valuable lived-experience
perspective to the role, strengthening collaboration and driving the
region’s vision toward the goals of 2030 In Sight.
Read
the full story
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UNSW as the newest IAPB member of our region
As the largest optometry and vision science school in
Australasia, UNSW boasts significant influence in research, education,
and clinical training, ranging from groundbreaking contact lens
studies to immersive vision science and optometry programs.
Discover more about their impactful work and future
collaborations at their webpage.
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Fiji Eliminates Trachoma
Fiji has been validated by the World Health Organization for
eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, its first neglected
tropical disease elimination. This achievement marks Fiji as the 26th
country to end trachoma and a global leader in eye health.
Learn
more.
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Bringing Clear Vision to Tjukuvulj Village
On 14 March 2025, the Taiwan Prevent Blindness Foundation brought
free eye care to Tjukuvulj village, where elders often live with
untreated vision problems. The outreach offered sight-saving exams,
hope, and renewed independence for the community.
Read the
full story
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Transforming Eye Health Across the Pacific
The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ is leading a five-year research
programme to strengthen eye care across the Pacific. By gathering
vital data through RAAB surveys and system analyses, the initiative
will guide governments in building sustainable, equitable eye health
systems for the future.
Read more
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Patient Voices Drive Change
A new report by Eye Health Aotearoa reveals the challenges faced by
New Zealanders with age-related macular degeneration — from delayed
diagnoses to unequal access to treatment. Drawing on patient stories,
the study calls for stronger, coordinated retina care and improved
early detection nationwide.
Read the
full report
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Collaboration in Focus at PacEYES 2025
More than 110 eye health professionals met in Apia, Samoa, for the
2025 PacEYES Conference, hosted by the Ministry of Health. With the Rt
Hon Fiame Naomi Mata’afa reaffirming government commitment, the event
showcased clinical updates, collaboration, and the regional launch of
the Global Summit for Eye Health Policy Framework.
Read
the full story
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World Sight Day in the Western Pacific
Across the Western Pacific, IAPB members celebrated World Sight Day
2025 through screenings, campaigns, and community events — inspiring
action and raising awareness under the Love Your Eyes
theme.
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Eye Care Foundation |
Vietnam
Held Eye Care Festivals in Ca Mau and Vinh Long, reaching 400
children with screenings, glasses, and games promoting healthy vision
— supported by schools and local
authorities.
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Vision 2020 | Australia
Partnered with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation for school
screenings and joined Minister Mark Butler to launch the Australian
Eye and Ear Health Study at Parliament House.
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Heart to Heart Foundation | South Korea
Led outreach in Cambodia and Bangladesh —
eye screenings, #LoveYourEyes campaigns, and diabetic retinopathy
checks — bringing vital care to children and vulnerable groups.
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Braille Tactile Signs | Australia
Hosted a World Sight Day Breakfast Forum at Swinburne University,
uniting experts to discuss inclusive wayfinding and accessibility for
people who are blind or have low vision.
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