International Centre for Eye Health

📰 A major new trial by ICEH has found that the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy remains highly effective for trachoma control.

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. While enhanced approaches are often proposed to accelerate progress, this study shows that the current SAFE strategy continues to deliver strong results when implemented well.

The research found:
• No additional benefit from intensified approaches such as double-dose mass drug administration (Stronger SAFE)
• No significant difference in Chlamydia trachomatis infection, load or clinical signs between trial groups
• An overall 80% reduction in infection prevalence from baseline

This is an important message for programmes and partners. The priority should be on achieving high coverage, maintaining quality, and delivering SAFE consistently, rather than adding complexity.

As countries move closer to elimination targets, focusing on what works at scale will be critical.

👉 Read more: https://iceh.lshtm.ac.uk/major-trial-finds-standard-who-recommended-approach-remains-effective-in-trachoma-control/

We would like to thank our partners in this work, including The The Fred Hollows Foundation, the Ministry of Health,Ethiopia of Health Ethiopia, and Oromia Regional Health Bureau.

Major Trial Finds Standard WHO-Recommended Approach Remains Effective in Trachoma Control - ICEH A major new trial investigating enhanced trachoma control approaches has been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases and Lancet Global Health. The multi-year study analysed the effect of increasing antibiotic treatment for the infection and strengthened transmission reduction methods amongst th...

Around 800 million people worldwide need reading glasses but do not have them. Presbyopia affects around 1.8 billion people globally, yet access to simple near-vision correction remains limited in many settings.

To mark an upcoming issue of the Community Eye Health Journal on presbyopia, ICEH is hosting a webinar exploring practical strategies to expand access to near-vision care.

This discussion will bring together experts from global health organisations, academia and eye care programmes to examine topics including:

• community-based delivery models
• innovative distribution approaches
• over-the-counter provision of reading glasses
• raising awareness and generating demand
• policy, regulation and WHO tools for action

📅 Monday 30 March 2026
🕑 14:00 BST (09:00 EDT / 14:00 BST / 16:00 EAT / 18:30 IST)

Speakers include Andrew Bastawrous (Peek Vision), Stuart Keel (World Health Organization (WHO)), Priya Morjaria (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Alumni Association), Thulasiraj Ravilla (Aravind Eye Care System) and Oteri Okolo (Nigeria Eye Health Programme).

Register to join the conversation and explore how programmes and policies can help ensure access to near-vision care for millions.

Register here: https://lshtm.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qy9YMZJuSc24Z5jFzM95ug

Thanks to Livelihood Impact Fund for supporting this issue and webinar.

Our ICEH at LSHTM alumni have gone on to hold leadership positions across global eye health, including in academia, NGOs and Ministries of Health.

If you're looking to develop your career in public health, sign up for LSHTM's virtual open days below 👇

📅Our Virtual Open Days are just one month away!

Join us online between 3-5 March where you can:
💻attend live webinars and Q&A sessions with programme representatives
💬chat with our professional services teams, including Admissions and Short Courses teams
🗣drop into our Social Lounge to speak to current student about their experiences at LSHTM.

See the full schedule on our website and book your place👇

🌍 Calling African Ophthalmologists!

We are excited to share a unique opportunity for ophthalmologists driven to make a measurable impact on public eye health.

The Africa Public Health & Clinical Ophthalmology Fellowship, a collaborative initiative by the International Centre for Eye Health, City Eye Hospital, Lions Sightfirst Eye Hospital and Kisii Eye Hospital, combines advanced public health training with practical clinical skills designed to equip the next generation of leaders in global ophthalmology.

The 2026 fellowship is targeted at ophthalmologists from the Coecsa Coecsa Coecsa countries.

What this programme offers:
▪️ 6 months of in-depth public health training in global ophthalmology
▪️ 12 months of hands-on clinical experience in comprehensive eye care settings
▪️ Mentorship and peer networking to expand your influence in national and regional eye health programmes

🔗 Learn how to elevate your career and strengthen eye health systems across the continent - apply through our website: https://bit.ly/49YmdHU

Whether you aim to enhance clinical outcomes, lead eye care services, or contribute to public health policy — this fellowship empowers you to drive meaningful change.

Cataract: Global Data for 2030 Webinar

Join global experts to discuss the future of global cataract care

📅 Weds 11th Feb
⏰ 08:00 and 16:00 GMT

Find out more and register: https://lshtm.zoom.us/ze/hub/ICEH

“This is a significant achievement for the global eye health community”

🔍 RAAB surveys have reached 1 million participants

RAABs are essential for global eye health planning and evaluation

Find out more👉 https://bit.ly/raab1m

📚 Scholarships Available for ICEH MSc Course

🌍 5 Scholarships for Commonwealth Eye Health Professionals to study in London

Deadline: 9th Dec 2025

Find out more and apply 👉 https://bit.ly/4oZGRNU

*cost doesn't cover living costs, only tuition, visa and flights

"So although it's great we're delivering all these new innovations, if there was more emphasis on innovating delivery, rather than delivering innovations, I think we'd solve some of these very solvable problems."

ICEH Professor Andrew Bastawrous sat down with The Times 'Planet Hope' podcast, in partnership with ROLEX, about how Peek Vision is bringing sight to millions through improving access to services.

There are 1.1bn people who are yet to access eyecare services who need them and 100m people who simply need a cataract operation.

Peek took a decade to see its first million people, and with its partners is now seeing a million every two months, improving access to care for people around the world.

In a world of big intractable problems, eye health isn't one of them, the only issue is it isn't financed well enough.

Listen now on Spotify: https://pod.fo/e/34356a
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F4UeHLfmDA8?si=xISCQSof0iSxL7GL&t=1

In order to , we need research that allows everyone to access services efficiently and cheaply.

At ICEH we have a proud history of developing the next generation of researchers. Since 2010, 28 students have received PhDs through London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and we currently have nine research students studying with us.

Find out more about their projects and how they can help to develop careers here 👉 http://bit.ly/4nBpP8a

ICEH PhD Students: The Next Generation of Research - ICEH At the International Centre for Eye Health we have a proud history of developing research careers globally. Since 2010 we have had 28 research degree students who have been awarded their PhDs, and 16 of these are nationals of low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We currently have 10 students fro...

📢 New Short Course Alert!

The International Centre for Eye Health are offering a new short course through London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Join us for a 16-week online course tackling global challenges in ophthalmology through the lens of epidemiology, research, and health systems.

What you'll learn:
• Epidemiological principles applied to eye care
• Research methods & ethics
• Health economics & service planning
• Data analysis & critical appraisal

📅 Start date: Monday, 10th November 2025
💻 Format: Free, online, flexible learning with expert-led sessions
📚 Assessment: MCQs, video presentation & written report

Whether you're a clinician or public health professional, this course will sharpen your research skills to make a real impact in eye health.

👉 Learn more and register your interest here:

https://forms.gle/5iXoEoSAzK7kijQE7

📰 1/3 of people blind from cataract 'do not feel need' to get surgery in Nepal

Survey reveals biggest barriers to getting cataract surgery, including need, cost and fear

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/cataractNepal