The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the World Report on Vision to address gaps in eye care and to galvanize action. 2.2 billion people around the world have a vision impairment and 1 billion have a vision impairment that is either preventable or is yet to be addressed.

On 19 November 2019, co-hosted with the WHO, the UN Friends of Vision, under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Webson of the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda (photo, third from right), held a launch event. The UN Friends of Vision group is supported by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Clearly, Sightsavers, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and The Vision Council of America.

“The International Council of Ophthalmology fully supports the WHO and is committed to global efforts to improve access to high-quality eye care and training to prevent vision loss around the world,” said Ivo Kocur MD, Chief Executive Officer of the ICO.