top of page
Universal Eye Health
Lancet Global Health. 2021 Apr;9(4):e489-e551.
The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020.
Burton MJ, Ramke J, Marques AP, Bourne RRA, Congdon N, Jones I, Ravilla T, Gilbert CE, Foster A, Faal HB.
This landmark Lancet Commission provides the most comprehensive global analysis of eye health, setting out evidence-based targets and strategies for achieving universal eye health beyond Vision 2020. It is the definitive policy reference for eye hospital leaders, health ministries, and programme planners working toward equitable, sustainable eye care systems.
Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Jul 5.
Keeping an eye on eye care: monitoring progress towards effective coverage.
Keel S, Muller A, Block S, Bourne R, Burton MJ, Chatterji S, He M, Lansingh VC, Mathenge W, Mariotti S, Muirhead D, Rabiu MM, Ravilla T, Resnikoff, Silva JC, Tapply I, Vos T, Wang N, Cieza A.
This Lancet article proposes a framework for monitoring effective coverage of eye care services, moving beyond counting procedures to measuring whether people with eye conditions actually benefit from care. It provides policymakers and hospital networks with a more meaningful accountability tool for tracking progress toward universal eye health.
Ophthalmology. 2021 Apr;128(4):574-575.
A Holistic perspective in caring for people with diabetic retinopathy.
Ravilla T.
This commentary advocates for a person-centred, holistic approach to caring for patients with diabetic retinopathy, going beyond laser and injection treatment to address the full continuum of patient need. It challenges eye hospitals to integrate diabetic eye care within a broader framework of patient support and system coordination.
Lancet Healthy Longev. 2022 Jan;3(1):e31-e41.
Grand Challenges in global eye health: a global prioritisation process using Delphi method.
Ramke J, Evans JR, Habtamu E, Mwangi N, Silva JC, Swenor BK, Congdon N, Faal HB, Foster A, Friedman DS, Gichuhi S, Jonas JB, Khaw PT, Kyari F, Murthy GVS, Wang N, Wong TY, Wormald R, Yusufu M, Taylor H, Resnikoff S, West SK, Burton MJ; Grand Challenges in Global Eye Health study group.
This global Delphi study identifies and ranks the most important unresolved challenges in global eye health as determined by international experts. It provides a strategic agenda for eye care leaders and policymakers seeking to direct research and programme investment where it will have the greatest impact.
JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 May;132(5):640-4.
Challenges of ophthalmic care in the developing world.
Sommer A, Taylor HR, Ravilla TD, West S, Lietman TM, Keenan JD, et al.
This JAMA Ophthalmology paper outlines the systemic challenges facing ophthalmic care delivery in developing countries, covering workforce, infrastructure, financing, and governance. It provides a frank and comprehensive analysis for policymakers and hospital leaders operating in resource-constrained environments.
Int Health. 2014 Sep;6(3):158-9.
Vision 2020: moving beyond blindness.
Lewallen S, Lansingh V, Thulasiraj RD.
This commentary reflects on the progress achieved under Vision 2020 and makes the case for expanding the global eye health agenda beyond blindness to encompass the full spectrum of vision impairment. It provides strategic framing for the next generation of eye health priorities.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2004 Apr;122(4):615-20.
VISION 2020: The Right to Sight: a global initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness.
Pizzarello L, Abiose A, Ffytche T, Duerksen R, Thulasiraj R, Taylor H, et al.
This seminal paper introduces the Vision 2020 global initiative and its framework for eliminating avoidable blindness, setting out the priorities, partnerships, and strategies for the following two decades. It is an essential historical reference for understanding the global eye health movement and its goals.
Glob Public Health. 2010;5(6):639-48.
Eliminating cataract blindness - how do we apply lessons from Asia to sub-Saharan Africa?
Lewallen S, Thulasiraj RD.
This article critically examines what lessons from successful cataract programmes in Asia, particularly the Aravind model, can be meaningfully transferred to sub-Saharan Africa. It provides a nuanced analysis for global eye health planners working to adapt high-performing models to different health system contexts.
Community Eye Health J South Asia. 2016;29:s05.
Inequities in eye care in South Asia.
Thulasiraj RD.
This article examines the persistent inequities in eye care access across South Asia, analysing the dimensions of geography, gender, income, and disability. It provides a critical lens for policymakers and hospital networks committed to achieving equitable eye health in the region.
Health Millions. 2002;21-23.
Spectacles for the millions - Addressing a priority of vision 2020: the right to sight.
Thulasiraj RD, Aravind S, Keerti BP.
This article makes the programmatic case for scaling spectacle provision as a key, often neglected component of Vision 2020 priorities. It provides a strong policy argument for integrating refractive services into national and hospital-level blindness prevention programmes.
TNOA. 2014 Feb;55(5):12-14.
Community ophthalmology - redefined.
Thulasiraj RD.
This article proposes a redefinition of community ophthalmology for the current era, arguing for a shift from camp-based, episodic care to a systems-based approach grounded in primary eye care. It challenges ophthalmologists and hospital leaders to engage more fundamentally with community health as the foundation of eye care delivery.
Lancet Glob Health. 2019 Oct 9.
Announcing The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health.
Burton MJ, Faal HB, Ramke J, Thulasiraj RD, Holland P, Wang N, West SK, Bourne RRA, Congdon NG, Foster A.
This announcement marks the launch of the Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health, setting out its scope, rationale, and intended contribution to the global eye care agenda. It signals a major international commitment to generating the evidence and advocacy needed to transform eye health systems worldwide.
bottom of page