© CBM/Arete/Khan

Recognised by the WHO as a professional organisation

Since 2002, CBM has had consultative status with the United Nations. In addition, it has maintained official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1989 as a recognised professional organisation for blindness prevention and cure.

Initiated by WHO and CBM: VISION 2020 – the right to eyesight

© Vision 2020

The global campaign “VISION 2020 – the right to eyesight” was founded in 1999 on the initiative of the CBM and the WHO. The action group consisted of non-governmental organisations and national committees for the prevention of blindness. Its goal was to ensure that no one would have to go blind from a disease that could be cured or prevented.

In the year 2000, around 45 million people worldwide were blind. Today, it is estimated that there are 43 million people. This is a positive trend because 75 million blind people were predicted for the year 2020 at the beginning of the campaign.

Nevertheless, 90 per cent of all people with visual impairments still live in low-income countries.

 

VISION 2020 focused on tackling the leading causes of blindness, including cataracts, trachoma and onchocerciasis.

The long-term goal of VISION 2020 was to make eye care accessible and affordable for all people in developing countries, thus making the right to eyesight a reality for all.

The impact of the CBM-initiated VISION 2020 campaign

  • Ausrufezeichen

    VISION 2020 raised awareness of the causes of preventable blindness.

  • Auge

    VISION 2020 tackled the root causes of blinding eye diseases.

  • Eine Figur schreibt etwas auf.

    VISION 2020 trained ophthalmology professionals.

  • Arztkoffer

    VISION 2020 provided ophthalmology infrastructure and technology.

More than 100 countries have already designed national eye health programs. All WHO member states are committed to investing in eye health. Political and professional commitment to preventing visual impairment has increased, and the quality of ophthalmological care has improved.

CBM is also committed to the follow-up strategy “2030 IN SIGHT.” This strategy aims to ensure that all people worldwide receive ophthalmological care. Everyone should have the opportunity to have an eye test and, if necessary, afford a visual aid.

Strategy for free download

  • VISION 2020 – The right to eyesight

    pdf, 4.7MB, Accessible

    Strategy on the global VISION 2020 initiative. This initiative aimed to overcome avoidable blindness and visual impairment. The strategy contains data (as of 2016) and explanations of eye diseases, blindness, and visual impairment in Germany and worldwide.

    Download

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