This means building relationships with local and national leaders and policymakers to create strong, actionable policy and urging them to put in place resources that will increase the quality and accessibility of eye care services.
Advocacy
We advocate for eye health to become a priority with governments and policymakers around the world. By raising awareness of the importance of quality eye care and influencing implementation, we aim to build a world where no one loses their sight simply because of where they were born.
Bringing People Together to Fight Blindness
We advocate for a better understanding of the social and economic benefits of a strong, effective, nationwide eye health system – to help ensure any progress made is broad and lasting.
Using evidence, effective partnerships with other NGOs and government agencies, and identifying champions to support our efforts - we look to a future where everyone has access to quality eye care.
Advocacy in Action
In Ethiopia, Orbis is part of the National Trachoma Taskforce and the National Committee on the Prevention of Blindness, which recently reviewed the Ethiopian national eye health plan.
In Bangladesh, Orbis has worked with other eye health NGOs to establish the Bangladesh National Council for the Blind, to support the implementation of the National Eye Health Plan and influence change in human resources and financing for eye health.
In Vietnam, Orbis is working in partnership with other NGOs to improve access to eye health services. Orbis leads on advocating for increased health insurance coverage for paediatric eye health surgery, glasses and other vision aids for children, and screening for diabetic patients.
In South Africa, Orbis is coordinating the process for including eye health as part of the monitoring of a child’s developmental health.