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
In 1999 the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) joined forces to launch VISION 2020. The aim of this far-reaching global initiative is to eliminate the main causes of all preventable and treatable blindness by 2020.
Vision 2020’S Three Primary Objective
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
Vision 2020 Results
2050 Crisis in Sight
The world’s population is simultaneously increasing and growing older, so global blindness and visual impairment are on the rise. And conditions like cataract, trachoma, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are continuing to destroy people’s vision and lives.
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.
CREATING THE BRIGHTER FUTURE WITH ORBIS
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