OECS Commission and The Brenda Strafford Foundation Renew Call for Stronger Regional Eye Health Systems on World Sight Day 2026

On World Sight Day 2026, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) are reaffirming our commitment to advancing equitable, accessible and sustainable eye care across all Eastern Caribbean Countries through our Regional Eye Health Project. ​

Celebrated annually on the second Thursday in October, World Sight Day places people, experiences and community-based actions at the centre of global efforts to ensure that all persons have access to needed eye care and that vision loss is prevented. This year’s campaign is set as “Love Your Eyes” and is particularly significant to the region as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the Global Summit for Eye Health.

Launched in October 2025 through collaboration between the OECS Commission and The Brenda Strafford Foundation, the Regional Eye Health Project is currently undertaking a regional situation analysis of eye health systems and services. The results of these national findings will generate an evidence-based, region-centred eye health strategic plan. The strategic plan will support countries to develop and implement more integrated, people-centred and equitable eye care across the OECS.

The project also reflects The BSF’s longstanding political will and investment to strengthening eye health in the Caribbean.

"Sight should never depend on where you live or what you can afford. On World Sight Day, let us commit to eye care within reach of every citizen of our region," states Director General of the OECS, Dr Didacus Jules.

“On World Sight Day, we are reminded that the ability to see can profoundly shape a person’s independence, opportunity, and quality of life. At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are proud to work alongside the OECS Commission, all levels of government, healthcare partners, and communities across the region to strengthen access to quality eye care. Today is also an opportunity to recognize what can be achieved when we work together and to reaffirm our commitment to sustainable solutions that improve sight, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact for generations to come,” states President and CEO of the Brenda Stafford Foundation, Mr Tony Weeks.

The regional initiative has engaged governments, regional public health organisations, national healthcare workers from the public and private sectors, social and community services, and civil society and non-government organisations. The findings and Strategic Plan are intended to support practical recommendations that can strengthen eye care within health systems and help Member States address inequities in access across communities.

World Sight Day 2026 provides an important opportunity for OECS Member States to move from awareness to action. The OECS Commission and The BSF encourage governments, health professionals, communities, civil society, schools and individuals across the Eastern Caribbean to make eye health a priority and to embrace the global call to #LoveYourEyes.

This partnership demonstrates the value of regional cooperation in addressing shared health challenges and advancing a future in which vision loss and blindness are entirely preventable in our region.

For more information on the Regional Eye Health Project, please send all enquiries to media@oecs.int and visit https://www.thebsf.ca/.