Specsavers Joins IAPB to Advocate for Better Eye Health

Wednesday, March 26 2025 | 14 h 51 min | News

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) welcomes Specsavers as a pivotal new member, joining the global alliance for the eye health sector in the fight against avoidable sight loss.

“For more than four decades, Specsavers has been driven by a singular vision: to change people’s lives through better sight and hearing,” said Dame Mary Perkins, who founded Specsavers with her husband Doug more than 40 years ago. “We believe everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to quality eye health services. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in initiatives like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans, allowing for early detection of conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma – directly aligning with IAPB’s mission to eliminate preventable blindness.”

One of the key pillars of Specsavers sustainability ambitions is to improve quality of life outcomes for disadvantaged members of society. “Our aim is to empower individuals and communities, so we are very pleased to be supporting IAPB as we continue to lobby for policy changes to remove barriers to eye health, ultimately contributing to a world where everyone can see their full potential.”

Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Specsavers to IAPB as a Group A Member. They join a global alliance of over 250 organisations working towards a world where no one experiences unnecessary sight loss, and everyone can reach their full potential. Specsavers’ expertise in optometry and commitment to making a difference align with our mission and will strengthen our collective efforts to improve eye care accessibility globally.”

“We can learn an enormous amount from Specsavers’ innovative approaches, from diagnostic technology to community outreach,” Peter Holland added. “Their research and delivery of accessible care are vital in our shared mission. The rollout of OCT scans as a standard for all patients, is a game-changer in early detection and support our goal of reducing the burden of preventable blindness. Their mobile clinics and home visit services are reaching underserved populations, ensuring that no one is left behind. These initiatives not only improve individual lives but can also strengthen our collective advocacy efforts.”

The partnership between IAPB and Specsavers signifies a powerful step forward in the global fight for better eye health in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and beyond, promising to bring innovative solutions and increased access to care to those who need it most.

Click HERE for the press release.

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