This session will discuss how we can effectively integrate programs that address the two largest causes of vision loss: cataract and refractive error. We’ll hear from leading experts in these spaces and then shift to facilitated small group conversations to design what this might look like in various contexts.

In this session, leading experts will discuss and drive conversation around:

• The need to integrate cataract and refractive programs
• Challenges and opportunities for integrating cataract and refractive error programs
• Current initiatives advancing integrated eye care

Room: Action Cafe

This session explores how digital health technologies are transforming global eye care by improving accessibility and quality, with insights from innovative practices in China, Nepal, Singapore, Australia, and India. It will also highlight the role of the IAPB in coordinating global efforts, addressing key challenges, and identifying solutions to enhance eye health worldwide.

Room: Changemaker Room

Join us for "Blinded by Bias: How Gender, DEI, and the Backlash Against Women's Rights Impact Eye Health," a panel session exploring the intersection of gender dynamics, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in eye health. Experts will discuss how societal shifts affect access to eye care and health outcomes for women and underserved populations. Topics include implicit biases in healthcare, gender equity in organizational policies, and the need for a holistic approach to eye health. Gain insights into advocacy, policy changes, and practical DEI strategies to create a more inclusive eye health landscape.

Room: Kathmandu Room

Join us for a powerful and symbolic opening ceremony as we welcome global leaders, policymakers, changemakers, and visionaries to the stage. From Kathmandu, we mark the next step in our shared journey — from Singapore to Mexico, and now to Nepal — to accelerate progress on the 2030 In Sight Strategy. Be part of the movement shaping the Global Summit for Eye Health and a vision that extends well beyond this decade.

Room: IAPB Auditorium 

This session invites participants to take a thoughtful look back at the lessons learned from some of the most impactful eye health initiatives across the globe, as well as at regional and country levels. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the stories behind these efforts—the successes that made a difference, the challenges that sparked resilience, and the legacies that continue to inspire. ​

By exploring these experiences, we can uncover practical strategies that have driven meaningful change and find ways to apply them as we work toward a future of better eye health for all. This session is not just about policies and strategies but about the people and partnerships that made them possible.

Room: IAPB Auditorium

How does eye health intersect with the world’s most urgent development goals? Unpacking the vital connections between eye health and broader development goals through real-world examples, we’ll demonstrate how integrated approaches can enhance both impact and efficiency.

The session aims to inspire innovative solutions that drive sustainable and equitable outcomes for communities worldwide; the integration of eye health into relevant policy discussions and frameworks at the national, regional and global levels, the establishment of mechanisms to facilitate the transfer of technologies and best practices in eye health to foster capacity building and knowledge exchange, and the mobilization of adequate financing from key stakeholders to improve infrastructure, human resources, ensuring sustainability and scalability of service delivery. ​ ​

Room: Kathmandu Room

Building impactful partnerships across sectors is essential to advancing eye health but requires skill in navigating competing priorities and integrating diverse goals.​

This session draws on practice shares from successful partnerships to equip participants with strategies for bridging gaps, resolving conflicts, and aligning multi-stakeholder interests. Learn how to develop and sustain partnerships that enhance resource sharing, ensure cohesive strategies, and foster integrated action, amplifying collective impact within and beyond the eye health sector.​

Room: Changemaker Room

Cataract is the leading cause of sight loss worldwide, yet millions struggle to access the care they need. From workforce shortages to financial and infrastructure constraints, barriers to cataract services persist, limiting progress towards universal eye health. This interactive roundtable will discuss key challenges and explore solutions to expand access to quality cataract care and achieve the cataract surgical coverage target.​ ​

Participants will engage in table discussions to tackle key barriers like workforce shortages, infrastructure gaps, financial constraints, and low patient awareness. The session will wrap up with key takeaways to improve access to equitable and sustainable cataract care. Insights from the discussion will feed into the 2026 Global Summit on Eye Health, strengthening collaboration and advancing progress toward the 2030 target. ​

Room: Action Cafe

We welcome new IAPB members and non-members to come together to hear from IAPB's CEO Peter Holland and Rachael Bourke, IAPB’s Membership Services Manager, to learn more about IAPB member benefits and how you can actively get involved in our work.​

If you want to learn more about joining IAPB please click here.

Room: Kathmandu Room

The 2030 In Sight Meeting in Mexico in June 2024 saw the launch of a one-year project that aims to develop the WHO Global Eye Health Research Agenda. Where are we now and how can you be part of this project?​ Delegates will learn about the final theorys of change that are underpinning the agenda and will have the opportunity to brainstorm possible research questions to be included in the agenda.

Delegates will also learn how to become an active member of the open consultation group for the agenda.​

Room: Changemaker Room

Let's look beneath the bonnet of the Global Summit.​ ​ ​

There is an engine of policies and initiatives driving national action. But how do we fuel that action? What global policies are driving national leadership and how are we bringing them together in a Summit framework?​ ​ ​

Hear from the WHO, along with national and regional actors, on how we’ve supported local efforts to implement integrated, people-centered eye care. Learn how these efforts are transforming global eye health priorities into meaningful progress and creating tangible outcomes that resonate within communities everywhere.​

Room: IAPB Auditorium

This session will explore how to embed eye health within diverse contexts and local issues, engaging new audiences and driving increased awareness, support, and action. We’ll share insights on linking eye health to broader societal challenges, successfully attracting new stakeholders and resources to the cause.​

By promoting cross-sectoral integration, we aim to foster collaboration with new partners, driving collective impact across industries. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for expanding the reach of eye health initiatives, ensuring more inclusive and far-reaching outcomes. Join us to discover how a united approach can create lasting, positive change in eye care worldwide.​

Room: Kathmandu Room

Master advocacy tactics and influencing skills essential for eye health advancement, with a chance to practice and workshop your ideas with experienced advocacy practitioners. Learn how to strategically engage stakeholders, shape narratives, and build partnerships to amplify your influence within the eye health landscape.

Room: Changemaker Room

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide and the only one still increasing. Tackling this challenge requires a well-rounded approach that improves policies, healthcare services, and patient access. This session brings together experts and patient voices, using Nepal as a case study to explore key issues and solutions. Attendees will share experiences, discuss strategies, and help shape the future of DR care.​

Discussions will focus on how governments and health systems can create strong, long-term policies to fight DR. We will look at the challenges of providing quality screening and treatment and how new technology, better training, and improved healthcare models can make a difference. The session will also explore how to close the gap between policy and real-world care, ensuring fair access for all—especially underserved communities—while learning from patient experiences to build better solutions.​

Room: Action Cafe

What is our vision for a transformative shift in eyecare? We have made strides in positioning eye health as a critical issue in international social, political & financial consciousness. How do we sustain the momentum that we have achieved and build resilience? ​

Engage in a dialogue with our young systems leaders, visionaries and experts; learn how the summit will advocate for impactful legacies on a global scale. This session explores how the Global Summit for Eye Health can catalyse a step change in global eye health advocacy. Now it is time to take us BIG – to turbo-charge our efforts into tangible change.​ ​

Room: IAPB Auditorium

How does translating policies to action look like at a national level? What have we learned so far? This session highlights successful national policies that have significantly improved eye health outcomes in the South East Asia. ​

By sharing key lessons learned on strengthening our systems, we aim to guide future initiatives and foster collaborations. Join us for practical insights on translating policies from paper into meaningful actions.

Room: Kathmandu Room

Discuss with sector experts how to craft a powerful and persuasive eye health policy request, and workshop ways to mobilize cross-sector support for a compelling, integrated proposal. Attendees will gain tools to develop clear, impactful policy requests that resonate with decision-makers and drive coordinated progress, ensuring alignment with national eye health priorities and the wider movement’s goals. ​

Room: Changemaker Room

The roundtable provides a platform for members to explore positively disruptive and cutting-edge solutions to scale refractive error services. The session will follow a dynamic pitch format, where presenters deliver concise, compelling elevator pitches on transformative ideas to address uncorrected refractive error.​ ​

For each of the four sub-areas of the Refractive Error Strategy—Advocacy & Policy, Data & Evidence, Coordination & Communication, and Myopia—two presenters will have 90 seconds to pitch an innovative solution. The audience will then collaborate with the presenters to refine and strengthen their ideas before they are re-pitched in an improved format.​ ​

This session aims to foster creative engagement, uncover innovative ideas, and assess the viability of solutions through collective thinking.​ ​

Room: Action Cafe

Join us for Part 1 of IAPB's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 30 April at 17:30. This important meeting brings together Council Members with a special update from Peter Holland, IAPB CEO​.

If you’re a Council Member and would like to attend, please reach out to [email protected] to register. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with IAPB’s mission and initiatives.​

Room: IAPB Auditorium

An Evening Inspired by Nepal Join us on Wednesday, 30 April, from 17:30 for a reception filled with Nepalese charm, featuring traditional cuisine, captivating live entertainment, and vibrant networking opportunities. Celebrate culture, connection, and camaraderie against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.

Location: The Soaltee Gardens