When it comes to vision, inequality is still in sharp focus. So this World Sight Day, we’re putting a gender lens on the fight against avoidable blindness.

By 2050, 112 million more women and girls will lose their sight unnecessarily. Today, two-thirds of blind children are girls, and 55% of people with visual impairment are women. Yet, while 70% of global healthcare workers are women, three-quarters of leadership roles are held by men.

So, how do we change the picture?

In this episode, Rose Namukwai and Kate Gannon from Orbis share how they’re breaking barriers — training trusted local women screeners, educating traditional healers, building male allyship, and launching Women-Led Green Vision Centres that have boosted attendance of women and girls by 20%. They’re also empowering women tea-pickers with near glasses that increase their productivity and wages by 50%.

We’re also joined by Filomena Ribeiro, President of the ESCRS, who’s making gender equality a cornerstone of her presidency - supporting Eyes of the World projects in Africa and Bolivia, and ensuring women’s voices and expertise are represented on every panel and committee.

Because when women see better - the world sees better.

Eyes on tomorrow is supported by Topcon Healthcare and Thea UK.

And don’t miss our bonus subscriber episode, featuring moving stories from patients whose lives have been transformed by women-led eyecare. This, along with a host of CPD resources, all for just £25 per year when you subscribe at eyesontomorrow.substack.com/subscribe.

Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eyesontomorrow.substack.com/subscribe