Orbis International puts a $32 million estimate on its 2027-30 financial and technical commitment, saying its work aims to improve eye-health outcomes for more than 18 million people. The nonprofit announced the plan ahead of the first Global Summit for Eye Health.
The plan includes professional-development support for more than 250,000 eye-health professionals by 2030. Orbis estimates that keeping Cybersight, its digital learning and mentorship platform, free through that year represents a $15 million contribution. The organization says the platform reaches more than 200 countries and territories.
Orbis also plans to invest the equivalent of $17 million in resources, skills and expertise toward the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 cataract target. It says governments and partners, including Alcon, will work on training, mentorship and surgical quality. Orbis identifies shortages of trained eye-care workers as a barrier to quality care and says women, girls and underserved communities will be priorities.
The scale of the access gap remains large. WHO says at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have near or distance vision impairment. For at least 1 billion people, the vision impairment could have been prevented or remains unaddressed. WHO also says one in two people who need cataract surgery lack access to it.
In Antigua and Barbuda, Orbis plans to support AI-assisted diabetic retinopathy checks as part of regular diabetes services starting in 2027. The partners aim to screen at least 80% of people receiving diabetes care by 2030, with referrals connecting patients who need further care to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
The U.N. General Assembly adopted its “Vision for Everyone” resolution in July 2021. HelpMeSee has separately announced a 2045 cataract framework; Orbis’s investment is directed toward WHO’s 2030 target.
Orbis International President and CEO Kathleen Sherwin said: “We invite governments, funders, and partners to work with us.” The first Global Summit for Eye Health is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Antigua and Barbuda. Its published agenda lists adoption of the St. John’s Global Compact for Eye Health.
