WSD’26, A Youth Policy Dialogue on SPECS 2030

World Sight Day is more than a date on the global health calendar, it is an opportunity to ask where eye health is heading, and who gets to shape that future.

On 8 October 2026, OPTOGLOBE, YPFP and VOSH/International will bring together young people from across the eye health and wider health community for WSD’26, A Youth Policy Dialogue on SPECS 2030.

The conversation will look at the role of young people in advancing eye health, influencing policy and supporting the implementation of SPECS 2030, the World Health Organization’s global eye care initiative.

Young people are already contributing to eye health in clinics, universities, communities, research, advocacy and policy spaces. This event creates a space to bring those experiences together and have an honest conversation about what comes next.

We want students, young professionals, optometrists, researchers, public health enthusiasts, advocates and anyone interested in the future of eye health to be part of the discussion.

What to expect

The dialogue will explore:

• The priorities of SPECS 2030 and what they mean for the next generation of eye health professionals

• The role young people can play in eye health policy and advocacy

• How young professionals and students can contribute beyond the traditional clinical space

• The opportunities and challenges facing the global eye health community

• What meaningful youth participation in eye health can look like

This is designed as a conversation, not simply a presentation. Come with your questions, experiences and ideas.

Who can attend?

The event is open to optometry and other health students, young professionals, researchers, public health professionals, advocates, policymakers, student leaders and anyone interested in global eye health.

You do not need to be an optometrist or eye health professional to attend.

Event details

Date: 8 October 2026

Format: Virtual

Participation: Free

Organised by: OPTOGLOBE, YPFP and VOSH/International

Registration

Registration is free, but participants are required to register in advance.

Register for WSD’26:
https://luma.com/b5soz0v4

Whether you are already working in eye health or simply interested in understanding how policy shapes the future of vision care, we would be glad to have you join the conversation.

This World Sight Day, let’s make room for young voices in the conversations that shape eye health.