International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

International organization focused on preventing blindness

Logo of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is a global alliance of organizations that are committed to the prevention of blindness and the promotion of eye health. Founded in 1975, the IAPB works to coordinate efforts and mobilize resources to eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment worldwide.

History

The IAPB was established in 1975 as a response to the growing concern about the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment globally. The founding members included the World Health Organization (WHO) and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to eye health. The agency was created to serve as a coordinating body to bring together various stakeholders in the field of eye care.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the IAPB is to eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment by promoting universal access to comprehensive eye care services. The agency aims to achieve this through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and the development of effective partnerships.

The key objectives of the IAPB include:

• Raising awareness about the importance of eye health and the impact of visual impairment.
• Supporting the development and implementation of national and regional eye health plans.
• Promoting research and innovation in the field of ophthalmology.
• Facilitating collaboration among member organizations and stakeholders.

Programs and Initiatives

The IAPB coordinates several programs and initiatives aimed at improving eye health globally. These include:

VISION 2020: The Right to Sight

Launched in 1999, VISION 2020 is a global initiative led by the IAPB and the WHO. Its goal is to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. The initiative focuses on diseases such as cataract, trachoma, and onchocerciasis, which are major causes of blindness.

World Sight Day

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October. It is coordinated by the IAPB to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. Activities on this day include advocacy events, educational campaigns, and eye health screenings.

Standard List

The IAPB Standard List is a resource that provides information on essential equipment, instruments, and supplies for eye care services. It is designed to help eye care providers, especially in low-resource settings, to procure the necessary tools for effective service delivery.

Membership

The IAPB is composed of a diverse membership that includes international NGOs, professional bodies, eye care institutions, and corporate organizations. Members collaborate to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in the field of eye health.

Governance

The governance structure of the IAPB includes a Board of Trustees, which is responsible for strategic oversight and decision-making. The board is composed of representatives from member organizations and is supported by various committees and working groups.

Related pages

• World Health Organization
• Blindness
• Ophthalmology
• Eye care