Originally from Chile and based in Manila, Philippines, with an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Concepcion, Chile, and a PhD in Psychology and Science Languages from University College London.

Dr Caroline Casey is the businesswoman and activist behind The Valuable 500, the world’s largest CEO collective and business move for disability inclusion.

Nitin is a Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine, University of Tasmania and Sydney and has a special interest in international health, macular disease, and teleophthalmology and has contributed to the development of undergraduate and postgraduate education at the Universities of Sydney, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea. He was a, Vice President, and President of RANZCO.

Louisa Syrett is a seasoned advocacy and strategy leader with 20 years of experience driving social justice, international development, and health initiatives across multilateral, INGO, public, and private sectors. 

Dr Aaron Thembinkosi Magava is an Ophthalmologist and Public Health Expert based in Zimbabwe. He works in the Ministry of Health and Childcare at Marondera Provincial Hospital. He is the outgoing IAPB Sub-Saharan Africa Chair.

Gail Grant works as an External Affairs Director, Intercontinental Region for AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company.

The Fred Hollows Foundation undertakes and supports health services research that improves the quality, productivity and accessibility of eye care for those living in low resource settings.

H.E. Dr. Walton Webson is the Permanent Representative of the Mission of Antigua and Barbuda and Founder/Co-chair of the UN Friends of Vision Group.

Dr. Gopal Prasad Pokharel is a distinguished ophthalmologist with over 40 years experience in ophthalmology and public health.

Heidi Chase (MA) brings a passion for making a difference, along with 20 years of experience working throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Over her career she has overseen more than $150M in program funding from private and public donors. As Seva’s Chief Program Officer she supervises 30+ staff working with 400 partner hospitals and clinics in 20 countries.

Raul Souza is a dedicated advocate for eye care access through various roles and initiatives. He holds several key positions, including Vision Products Technical Expert at UNICEF, Vision Technical Advisor at ATscale, and Vice-chair of the Ophthalmology Expert Panel in Medical Devices at the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Simone Petrolli is the Global Sustainability Manager at Safilo, one of the eyewear industry’s key players in the design, manufacturing and distribution of prescription frames, sunglasses, outdoor eyewear, goggles and helmets.

Fiona is a health policy adviser with Sightsavers covering areas such as eye health, inclusive data, climate and health and health equity. She works to ensure that eye health is included in broader health and development conversations at a global level in the UN and WHO and ensuring that equity is at the heart of the discussions.

Anna is the Director of Capability Building at IAPB, where she works to strengthen systems leadership across the eye health sector.

A highly driven Health Systems Specialist and Global Health Leader with over 15 years of dedicated service in strengthening health systems to deliver impactful, sustainable, and responsive healthcare solutions in developing countries, including emergency and conflict-prone environments.

Jacqueline Grove has over 15 years of experience in the vision sector, previously with Luxottica Retail and currently with National Vision Inc. Her roles have been quite diverse ranging from SVP of Store Operations, Training and Development, DEIB and Philanthropy.

Ameer Abou Adela is an optometrist with nine years of experience in advancing public health and optometry. He holds a BS in Optics & Optometry from the American University of Science and Technology (AUST), an MBA from Sagesse University, and is pursuing a PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

We are honoured to invite Anshu Taneja, an award-winning social entrepreneur and the driving force behind VisionSpring in India since 2013.

K-T serves as CEO of Cure Blindness Project and is deeply committed to the mission of eradicating avoidable blindness in underserved communities. She was previously the President of OneSight and serves on the IAPB Board of Trustees. During her tenure at Cure Blindness Project, K-T has overseen a significant expansion of the organization, both in terms of revenues and impact, and she has launched a long-term strategic plan that will continue this growth.

Sangchul Yoon (MD, Ph.D.) is a Professor at the Graduate School of Public Health, Catholic University of Korea. A board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea and preventive ophthalmology, he earned his Ph.D. in Public Health from Yonsei University, South Korea.

Binita is the Program Director for Seva programs in Nepal.  She brings the experience of working on clinical projects in hospitals and community-based eye care programs in a variety of professional contexts in more than ten years in the field of ophthalmology.

Azra Herceg is a dedicated EBO-certified ophthalmologist and public health advocate, with a strong commitment to fighting preventable blindness.

Thulasiraj is an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management- Calcutta. After eight years in Industry, he joined Aravind Eye Hospital in 1981 to lead the administration as a member of its start-up team. Aravind Eye Hospitals now annually handle over six million outpatient visits and perform over 700,000 surgeries and other interventions.

I was working in the ICU in Mahosot hospital since 1999. I was as Anesthesia, Intensive care and Emergency residency program from 2002-2005. In 2006 I was deputy director of the Adult ICU ward.

Dr Stuart Keel is a Technical Officer within the Vision and Eye Care Programme, Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, at the World Health Organization Geneva.

Elizabeth Kurian is a leader in global eye health, with over three decades of experience spanning social development, research, policy, and governance. As the Chief Executive Officer and a Trustee of Mission for Vision, she is dedicated to advancing Universal Eye Health and driving sustainable development through innovative strategies and partnerships.

Civil Engineer and independent social entreprenuer with more than 10 years experience in health expeditions in remote indigenous, quilombolas and riverside communities in Brazil.

Dr. Mattan Arazi is an ophthalmology resident, global health researcher, and Co-Founder of Sheba Global Ophthalmology (SGO) at Sheba Medical Center, Israel. Based in the Middle East, SGO provides sustainable eye care solutions while supporting global efforts to end preventable blindness.

Sangchul Yoon (MD, Ph.D.) is a Professor at the Graduate School of Public Health, Catholic University of Korea. A board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cornea and preventive ophthalmology, he earned his Ph.D. in Public Health from Yonsei University, South Korea.

From Hastings, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Mrs Cowan is a descendent of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou Iwi (tribes), and is the Chief Executive Officer of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa (KMA).

Fabrizio is the IAPB Head of Region for the Western Pacific Region. He is a public health specialist with over 15 years’ experience in advocacy, policy, program delivery, and research across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Ms. Paula Mukherjee has completed her Bachelor of Optometry and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. She is also a Fellow of ASCO in Dispensing Optics. With over 17 years of experience in the field of Optometry, she has worked in retail sector as a clinical optometrist, as an academician, has been instrumental in advocacy for the profession at the ministry level (ministry of health and family welfare) and contributed to social responsibility business as a community optometrist as well.

Sabrina von Wegerer Elizeche is the manager of the Research and Development department at Fundación Visión in Paraguay. She holds a degree in Economics from National Taiwan University in Taipei. She is fluent in German, English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.

Joy Koech is the Head of Inclusive Health Programmes at CBM. As a Public Health Specialist, she brings extensive experience in Public Health Programming and Health System Strengthening in low and middle-income countries.

Junu Shrestha is a public health professional with a strong focus on health policy and advocacy. She plays a key role in advancing Integrated People-Centred Eye Care (IPEC), working closely with the World Health Organization and global partners to support the implementation of IPEC at country level.

Kristine is a strategic and results-driven programs officer for the Sub Saharan Africa with over seven years of expertise in full project cycle management across international and national development agencies.

Dr. Raba Thapa MD, PhD is a Professor of Ophthalmology at National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), and a senior consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), Kathmandu, Nepal.

Dr Covadonga Bascaran is a Clinical Research Fellow at the International Centre for Eye Health (ICEH) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Dr. Paudel has completed MBBS from Manipal College of Medical Sciences in 2002 and joined as Medical Officer of Department of Pediatrics Manipal Teaching Hospital which brought him to Pediatrics. He joined Government of Nepal Ministry of Health in 2004 as a Medical Officer starting career as In-charge of Bhimad Primary Health Care Centre Tanahun district.

I am an experienced professional with a distinguished career in food technology and quality control.

H.E. Dr. Walton Webson is the Permanent Representative of the Mission of Antigua and Barbuda and Founder/Co-chair of the UN Friends of Vision Group.

At just 26 years old, Samit Sakib Gore is transforming affordable eye health through innovative, sustainable solutions.

Tigist Tulu Gelashe serves as the Program Manager for Outreach and Quality at the Cure Blindness Project in Ethiopia, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing eye care services and addressing preventable blindness.

Sabrina von Wegerer Elizeche is the manager of the Research and Development department at Fundación Visión in Paraguay. She holds a degree in Economics from National Taiwan University in Taipei. She is fluent in German, English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.

Dr. Mattan Arazi is an ophthalmology resident, global health researcher, and Co-Founder of Sheba Global Ophthalmology (SGO) at Sheba Medical Center, Israel. Based in the Middle East, SGO provides sustainable eye care solutions while supporting global efforts to end preventable blindness.

Keitumetse Thamane began her eye health career at Botswana's Ministry of Health in 2015. She acted as the key liaison between the National Eye Health Programme, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, and Peek Vision on the Peek Goodhope Pilot, which laid the groundwork for Botswana's current national school eye health programme.

Ameer Abou Adela is an optometrist with nine years of experience in advancing public health and optometry. He holds a BS in Optics & Optometry from the American University of Science and Technology (AUST), an MBA from Sagesse University, and is pursuing a PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

An ophthalmologist dedicated to making high-quality eye care accessible to those who need it most.

Mehran Memon, Assistant Director Information Technology, Certified Master Trainer IT Lead Peek Projects Pakistan and Focal Person for safeguarding at the SIOVS, Pakistan, stands out as a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about driving systems change within eye health.

Bharti Janyani began her journey in Community Eye Care in 2015. She is currently associated with Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital, where she leads the Community Ophthalmology department.

Ting Fang is an Ophthalmology Resident at the Singapore National Eye Center. As a part of the Singhealth Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health team, she works closely with engineers to explore and integrate digital technology into healthcare and Ophthalmology.

Elizabeth Kurian is a leader in global eye health, with over three decades of experience spanning social development, research, policy, and governance. As the Chief Executive Officer and a Trustee of Mission for Vision, she is dedicated to advancing Universal Eye Health and driving sustainable development through innovative strategies and partnerships.

With over 30 years of progressive experience in the eye health sector, including 17 years with EssilorLuxottica. With proven expertise in both the optical industry and program development, Kris led the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation in Canada, where he directed impactful vision correction initiatives that positively changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of medically underserved people.

Kuldeep Singh is the Asia Regional Director with Seva Foundation, leading programs and teams across Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, and India.

Country chair for International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) representing Bhutan. Professor of Ophthalmology, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences,Bhutan.

Dr. Paudel has completed MBBS from Manipal College of Medical Sciences in 2002 and joined as Medical Officer of Department of Pediatrics Manipal Teaching Hospital which brought him to Pediatrics. He joined Government of Nepal Ministry of Health in 2004 as a Medical Officer starting career as In-charge of Bhimad Primary Health Care Centre Tanahun district.

Dr Rohit C Khanna is the Network Director at L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) as well as leads the Public Health program at LVPEI. He is an active participant in various working groups of the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Khanna is also the IAPB Regional Chair for the South-East Asia region.

I am Dr Marcelino Correia opthalmologist had been working as an opthalmologist for more than 10 years in national eye center.

Originally from Chile and based in Manila, Philippines, with an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Concepcion, Chile, and a PhD in Psychology and Science Languages from University College London.

Azra Herceg is a dedicated EBO-certified ophthalmologist and public health advocate, with a strong commitment to fighting preventable blindness.

Sarah Khor specializes in international alliance development, advocacy, and government affairs in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.

Director of Policy, Strategy and Advocacy, IAPB

Cindy is currently President Elect of the World Council of Optometry and is a Past President of the European Council of Optometry and Optics. 

Prof Nathan Congdon, MD, MPH, is Ulverscroft Chair of Global Eye Health at Queen’s University Belfast and Director of Research for ORBIS International.

Amanda Davis has been working in the area of blindness prevention and public health since 2006. Her experience spans advocacy, education, research, and infrastructure development. She has developed and managed relationships with key stakeholders and partners including NGOs, industry, government departments and universities.

Thulasiraj is an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management- Calcutta. After eight years in Industry, he joined Aravind Eye Hospital in 1981 to lead the administration as a member of its start-up team. Aravind Eye Hospitals now annually handle over six million outpatient visits and perform over 700,000 surgeries and other interventions.

Jacqueline Grove has over 15 years of experience in the vision sector, previously with Luxottica Retail and currently with National Vision Inc. Her roles have been quite diverse ranging from SVP of Store Operations, Training and Development, DEIB and Philanthropy.

Fiona is a health policy adviser with Sightsavers covering areas such as eye health, inclusive data, climate and health and health equity. She works to ensure that eye health is included in broader health and development conversations at a global level in the UN and WHO and ensuring that equity is at the heart of the discussions.

Joy Koech is the Head of Inclusive Health Programmes at CBM. As a Public Health Specialist, she brings extensive experience in Public Health Programming and Health System Strengthening in low and middle-income countries.

Sumrana Yasmin is the Deputy Technical Director of Eye Health at Sightsavers, based in Pakistan.

Jack is a health economist with over ten years of experience in health economics research, policy, and evaluation.

With over 30 years experience in the contact lens industry, Stuart is recognised as a visionary leader who identifies market trends to keep CooperVision as leader in the sector.