As a key member of IAPB, Orbis and its volunteers and donors are doing everything possible to fight against blindness. WHO estimated that there were 45 million blind people worldwide in 1999. While the WHO’s projection for 2020 initially indicated a possible twofold increase to around 76 million cases, the planet’s blind population currently stands at roughly 36 million. Fully 20% lower than in 1999, this figure is encouragingly well lower than the WHO’s estimation.
All eyes on 2020
2020 marks the culmination VISION 2020 project. Established in 1999, the initiative’s aim was to make major strides towards the eliminating of blindness issues by the end of 2020. To date, the concerted efforts has resulted in an estimation of encouraging 20% fall in today’s global blind population against the world blindness figure in 1999.
Vision 2020 Achievements
As 2020 approaches, ourselves and our VISION 2020 partners remain determined to leverage our two decades of shared experience to free even more people from the prison of needless blindness.
Raise the profile, among the key audiences, of the causes and solution of the avoidable blindness
Identify and secure the necessary resources to provide prevention and treatment program
Facilitate the planning and implementation of the three core VISION 2020 strategies by national program
Recent Research Has Identified That Global Blindness and Visual Impairment Is Now Set to Triple By 2050.
Whilst effective progress has been made, this rise is directly related to population growth, aging and changes in lifestyle leading to greater numbers of people requiring treatment for conditions such as cataract, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Global demand for eye health services are also outstripping supply, with a severe lack of trained ophthalmologists and other eye care workers in the countries where they are most needed.
But this is not our fate. We have the solutions that can stop this crisis in its tracks – but we need your help to do so. By investing in training, technology and teamwork, we can prevent this global Crisis in Sight.
Our Three Strategies for Resolving Crisis in Sight
Training
Training is the best way to ensure a sustainable and lasting legacy of eye care around the world. Your support helps our team of 400 expert volunteers share their skills with local doctors and nurses, preparing them to treat and prevent blindness in their own communities for years to come.
TECHNOLOGY
Through remote mentoring, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and simulation, we can reach more people with better training than ever before. Your support helps us push the boundaries of technology and innovation so we can lead the way in eye care.
TEAMWORK
The power of one is strong, but the power of many is far stronger. That's why partnerships are at the heart of what we do. We work alongside everyone from governments to local hospitals and vision centers – because we'll go further together.
we can give even more people the gift of sight.
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