The World Health Organization (WHO) has redesignated L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) as a WHO Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness for another four years, extending the recognition until 2030. The institute first received this designation in 2001 and remains one of only 11 eye care institutions worldwide selected by the WHO Director-General to support global eye care and blindness prevention programmes.
Supporting Global Eye Care
Globally, nearly 2.2 billion people live with some form of vision loss, and about 1 billion have never received eye care. Most of them live in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, around two-thirds of people who need spectacles lack access to them, while only one in two people requiring cataract surgery receives treatment. WHO Collaborating Centres work with the organisation to bridge these gaps by advancing integrated, people-centred eye care.
LVPEI’s Role in Universal Health Coverage
As a WHO Collaborating Centre, LVPEI will contribute technical and operational expertise to support the WHO’s goal of achieving universal health coverage. Leveraging its extensive pyramidal eye care network and public health epidemiology expertise, the institute will help generate evidence for best practices, strengthen the eye care workforce, and develop eye health guidelines.
Furthermore, LVPEI will share its experience in delivering quality eye care to rural and underserved communities, a key component of ensuring equitable access to eye health services.
As per a press release, the institute will continue working closely with the WHO to strengthen global strategies for blindness prevention and expand access to comprehensive eye care.
Leadership Reacts
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Founder Chair of LVPEI, said, “This redesignation underscores more than two decades of collaboration between LVPEI and WHO in advancing public health eye care. It is both an honour and a responsibility. While the burden of vision loss remains highest in our settings, so does the opportunity to develop diverse and effective solutions. We look forward to making a meaningful difference in the years ahead.”
Dr. Rohit Khanna, Network Director – Public Health, LVPEI, said the redesignation comes with a detailed four-year work plan requiring technical inputs into the WHO’s global eye care strategy. He expressed confidence that, in partnership with the WHO, the institute would successfully achieve its targets.
About WHO Collaborating Centres
WHO Collaborating Centres are institutions officially designated by the WHO Director-General to support the organisation’s programmes at national, regional, and global levels. Established under a policy adopted by the Second World Health Assembly in 1949, these centres strengthen public health by contributing research, training, technical expertise, data analysis, and collaborative scientific work. Their efforts enhance national health systems while supporting WHO’s global health agenda.