Dr Rohit Khanna, Network Director for public health at the L V Prasad Eye Institute, was re-elected as the Regional Chair for the Southeast Region of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Founded in 1975, IAPB is a premier eye health body and an alliance of over 250 member organizations worldwide drawn from international charities, eye hospitals, academic institutes, professional bodies and corporate organizations.

As the regional chair for IAPB, Dr Khanna will work closely with stakeholders across the region in coordination with the IAPB global office, to advocate for universal eye health and strengthen regional and national activities for the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. Regional chairs also serve as IAPB Trustees and thus contribute to the strategy and governance of IAPB globally. 

He will work to take forward IAPB’s agenda as a global leader in eye health advocacy, coordinating major campaigns such as World Sight Day (WSD) and leading initiatives like 2030 In Sight, the UN Friends of Vision group, VISION 2020 and Vision for the Commonwealth.

It is the global voice for the eye care sector working to end avoidable sight loss and ensure everyone has affordable, accessible and inclusive eye care and rehabilitation services.

IAPB Southeast Asia member states include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, People’s Republic of Korea, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.