IAPB launches World Sight Day campaign

Campaign resources have been expanded

The International Association for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has launched its 2026 campaign for World Sight Day with a call for the eye health sector to once again unite behind the global movement to #LoveYourEyes.

Building on the success of the last five years, the campaign continues to remind everyone, everywhere to prioritise their own eye health, while calling on governments around the world to unlock funding and prioritise eyecare so everyone, everywhere can access the care they need.

Taking place on 8 October, this year’s World Sight Day campaign spotlights the power of people, by putting stories, lived experiences, and community action at the heart of the movement.

To achieve this, IAPB invites parties to participate in global campaign activations that include:
• Every Story Counts: an opportunity for sharing personal experiences that form a collective and powerful voice that demonstrates why eye health matters to everyone, everywhere – which becomes impossible to ignore
• Five Million Pledges to #LoveYourEyes: at the heart of every World Sight Day is to pledge to #LoveYourEyes for World Sight Day. This year, we are focused on five million pledges, which equal five million voices demanding accessible eye care for themselves and others
• Global Challenge: a call to the eyecare sector to conduct screenings at schools, workplaces and parliaments around the world

To support these efforts, the IAPB has released expanded Love Your Eyes Kids resources for schools, carers and children, and Love Your Eyes at Work materials that help employers and workers take practical steps to protect vision in every workplace

Over five successful years, the campaign has secured over 25 million pledges to Love Your Eyes, generated more than one billion media impressions and continues to be an important milestone in the lead up to the first ever Global Summit for Eye Health, which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda on 2 November.

Simon Darvill, IAPB director of communications, campaigns and events, said the 2026 campaign “comes at a pivotal moment for the sector, as countries prepare their commitments for the Global Summit for Eye Health. This year’s World Sight Day is not only about celebrating progress – it’s about building the momentum needed to deliver lasting change to end avoidable sight loss. I invite everyone to be part of the sectors biggest day for collective action and public engagement”.

Visit the IAPB website to learn how to get involved and support the campaign.