Vision 2020: The Right to Sight

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight is a global initiative aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness by the year 2020. It was launched in 1999 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), in collaboration with various other organizations and governments.

Background

Blindness and visual impairment have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. According to the WHO, approximately 253 million people are visually impaired, with 36 million of them being blind. The majority of these cases are preventable or treatable.

Vision 2020 was established to address this issue and provide a framework for action. The initiative focuses on four main strategies: disease control, human resource development, infrastructure and technology, and advocacy and partnership.

Objectives

The primary objective of Vision 2020 is to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. This includes preventing and treating conditions such as cataracts, refractive errors, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The initiative also aims to improve access to eye care services, particularly in low-income and underserved areas.

Strategies

Disease Control: Vision 2020 promotes the implementation of effective disease control programs to prevent and treat eye conditions. This includes initiatives such as mass drug administration for trachoma, which is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.

Human Resource Development: To ensure sustainable eye care services, Vision 2020 focuses on training and capacity building for eye care professionals. This includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other healthcare workers involved in eye care delivery.

Infrastructure and Technology: Vision 2020 emphasizes the need for adequate infrastructure and technology to support eye care services. This includes the establishment of eye care facilities, the provision of essential equipment, and the development of telemedicine and mobile health solutions to reach remote areas.

Advocacy and Partnership: Vision 2020 advocates for increased political commitment and funding for eye care. It also encourages collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Progress and Challenges

Since its inception, Vision 2020 has made significant progress in reducing avoidable blindness. Several countries have implemented successful programs, resulting in improved access to eye care services and reduced prevalence of blindness.

However, there are still challenges to overcome. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of trained eye care professionals continue to hinder progress in many regions. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted eye care services, highlighting the need for resilient and adaptable systems.

Conclusion

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight is a global initiative that aims to eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. Through its comprehensive strategies, the initiative seeks to prevent and treat eye conditions, improve access to eye care services, and advocate for increased political commitment and funding.

While progress has been made, challenges remain in achieving the goal of eliminating avoidable blindness. Continued efforts and collaboration are essential to ensure that everyone has the right to sight and access to quality eye care services.

See also

• World Health Organization
• International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
• Blindness
• Visual impairment
• Cataracts
• Refractive errors
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Trachoma
• Telemedicine
• Mobile health