An evocative photograph titled We Love Our Eyes has claimed the top honor in this year’s World Sight Day (WSD) photo competition. Captured by Abdullah Almajed from King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, the image features two young boys joyfully laughing while wearing paper heart-shaped glasses, symbolizing the theme of eye health and affection.
Namkhen Lama from Tilganga, Nepal, won the title of Amateur Photo of the Year with his poignant piece, Post Op Visual Test, reflecting the transformative journey of eye care. The competition saw over 600 submissions from photographers across numerous countries, each capturing unique perspectives on eye health.
The WSD photo competition, launched in 2015 by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IABP), aims to highlight the importance of accessible, affordable eye care and the profound social and economic impact it has on individuals and communities. “Over nine years, this competition has beautifully illustrated the story of eye care,” the IABP shared in a statement, underscoring the value of universal eye health access.
Fatima Zehar, programme manager for the inclusive eye health program at the Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT) and a judge for this year’s competition, praised the quality and creativity of the entries. “Every picture had a story behind it,” she said, “serving as a powerful reminder to prioritize eye health, especially for future generations.”
Courtenay Holden, IAPB’s head of communications and campaigns, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how the annual competition captures the importance of global eye care access. “Each year, we are inspired by the beautiful submissions highlighting the impact of sight loss and the essential need for eye care worldwide,” she remarked, congratulating the winners and extending gratitude to all participants.
The judging panel for this year’s competition included a diverse group of professionals: Busisiwe Mzyece, Zimbabwe’s head of programs for the Council for the Blind; Fatima Zehra, LRBT’s inclusive eye health program manager; Lowri Moore, author, activist, and IAPB Campaigner of the Year; Emily McCormick, editor of Optometry Today; and Michelle Sylvanowicz, global advocacy director of ophthalmology at Bayer. Their collective expertise underscored the commitment to raising awareness of eye health and recognizing photography’s role in advocacy.
As Holden concluded, the competition celebrates not only the beauty of the images but the critical message they convey: the importance of eye care for all.
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