Feb. 15, 2024 — The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has launched the IAPB Young Systems Leader Awards to “amplify the voices and empower early-career professionals driving transformative change in eye health.”
The initiative seeks to identify “System Thinkers,” young eyecare professionals who are reimagining the approach to combating avoidable sight loss, as part of IAPB’s 2030 In Sight Strategy, which involves encouraging the eyecare industry to move past isolated interventions and embrace a holistic systems approach.
"The future of eye health rests on the shoulders of this next generation," says IAPB president Caroline Casey. "The IAPB Young Systems Leader Awards celebrates the brilliance, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit that will define the future of eye health and change the lives of so many for the better. By investing in these inspiring young professionals, IAPB wants to empower them to champion systems change and ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to quality eye care."
The ideal nominee embraces innovation and adaptability, forges cross-sectoral collaborations, pilots new approaches and ideas, fosters a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing, and focuses on proactive planning rather than reactive problem-solving. Nominees must be under 35 years old as of June 30.
Beyond gaining official recognition from IAPB, recipients will benefit from a range of opportunities:
- Speak or cofacilitate a workshop at the eye health conference 2023 In Sight Live Mexico
- Take part in prearranged networking meetings with senior-level professionals alongside Casey
- Participate in a customized online workshop that teaches more about systems leadership, public speaking, and networking
- Share insights with the global eye health community via the IAPB Knowledge Hub
Nominations close Monday, March 4, and are exclusive to IAPB member organizations. Up to 10 Systems Leaders will be chosen.
For more information and to submit a nomination, click here.