GOPHA launches forum to strengthen optometry’s role in public health

The Global Optometry Public Health Alliance (GOPHA), in partnership with the Indian Vision Institute (IVI), launched a public health forum on Monday, January 19, 2026. The forum brought together optometry and public health stakeholders to strengthen access to essential eye care for underserved communities.

Aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) SPECS 2030 framework, the forum focused on placing optometry more centrally within public health systems, with an emphasis on prevention, early diagnosis, timely referral and stronger integration with primary healthcare.

The forum titled ‘Synergising Global Efforts: The Vital Role of Optometry in Achieving WHO SPECS 2030 Goals’ highlighted the growing awareness that eye health should be embedded within broader health systems rather than addressed as a stand-alone problem. More than 900 delegates from 69 countries attended the debates.

Introducing GOPHA, interim president Kovin Naidoo highlighted the profession’s potential to contribute meaningfully to global eye health goals. The forum also featured speeches by Cindy Tromans, president of the World Council of Optometry, and Stuart Keel, technical lead for Preventing Blindness within the scope of WHO SPECS 2030.

Vinod Daniel, CEO of India Vision Institute, said the initiative reaffirms the critical role of optometrists in providing essential eye care and translating global commitments into action at the community level.