SCENE + HEARD IAPB Kicks Off 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE in Mexico By Staff Tuesday, June 25, 2024 12:24 AM MEXICO CITY—The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is kicking off 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE today, a global, 3-day event slated to run through June 27 both online and live in Mexico City. The initiative, launched in 2021, unites stakeholders across the eye health sector with the singular goal of eradicating avoidable sight loss by 2030. “2030 IN SIGHT LIVE fosters a collaborative environment where shared knowledge, discussion, and unwavering commitment can be catalysts to eliminating avoidable blindness,” said Peter Holland, IAPB chief executive officer. Hosted jointly by IAPB and the Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México, 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE presents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate progress toward universal eye health and discuss concrete actions to eliminate avoidable sight loss by 2030, the organizers stated. Paralympic gold-medalist-turned-actor Avila Sanchez will be among the initial speaker lineup. Other guests include a UN Ambassador, speakers from the World Health Organization, economists, and eye health professionals from around the world. “We are looking forward to welcoming expert speakers from across the globe who will be sharing their knowledge with delegates. Our stellar list of speakers will be offering insights into topics like the global eye health research agenda, harnessing the power of technology, eye health and indigenous populations, and many more,” said Dr. Valeria Sanchez, general director at the Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México. RestoringVision, a global nonprofit committed to solving the global vision crisis, will be one of the changemaker sponsors at the event. The RestoringVision delegation, led by CEO Dr. Pelin Munis, will include Mark Lorey, vice president of programs and impact, along with board chair Kevin Hassey and board member Reade Fahs, CEO of National Vision, Inc. Additional RestoringVision key partners attending the event are Dr. Edgar Medina Figueroa from Management Sciences for Health-Peru and Moises Sifren of Hospital El Buen Samaritano, Dominican Republic. Dr. Munis will chair a key session titled “Scaling Up Refractive Error Services.” This session will convene a panel of global experts who will provide an in-depth exploration of the global vision crisis, identify key drivers, and present scalable, cost-effective solutions with high impact. “We are honored to be a part of the IAPB 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE Mexico conference," said Dr. Munis. “Our participation in this event provides a platform to strengthen global efforts to solve presbyopia and other refractive errors, ultimately advancing our goal of ensuring clear sight for all.” RestoringVision will also exhibit its work at a dedicated booth at the conference marketplace, providing delegates with insights into the organization’s mission, impact and future initiatives. “We aim to foster discussions that drive tangible progress in addressing refractive errors globally,” said Dr. Munis. “Through collaborative efforts and innovative models, we can create sustainable solutions that positively impact individuals, communities, and societies at large.” In addition to Restoring Vision, the event will feature several additional changemaker partners including Abbvie, CBM, Johnson & Johnson Vision, National Vision, Roche, Seva Foundation and The Vision Catalyst Fund. For the first time, the entire event will be fully bilingual, featuring simultaneous translation in Spanish and English, which organizers said will ensure maximum accessibility for the 600 delegates in attendance. The Fred Hollows Foundation, a strategic partner, alongside IAPB, will champion critical discussions on ensuring equitable access to quality eyecare, strengthening eye health systems, advocacy and awareness building. Ian Wishart, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation, said, “For 15 years, The Foundation has proudly supported IAPB’s mission. And as a strategic partner for 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, we are thrilled to continue our commitment to playing a key role in fostering collective action to address this global challenge.” To learn more about the 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE event, click here.