Cambodia Launches Eye Health Governance Project 2026-2031

The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the Eye Health Governance Project 2026-2031 and the WHO SPECS 2030 Strategy in Cambodia, marking a major milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen eye health systems, improve access to quality eye care services, and advance Universal Health Coverage.  

The launch brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Australian Embassy, the World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Health Sciences, national hospitals, provincial health departments, professional associations, people with disabilities' organisations, development partners, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and other eye health NGOs from across Cambodia. Approximately 200 participants attended the event.  

The event celebrated Cambodia's remarkable progress in eye health over the past three decades. Through strong government leadership and partnerships with development partners, universities, hospitals, professional associations and civil society, Cambodia has significantly expanded eye care services, strengthened its workforce, reduced blindness, and integrated eye health into broader health and development priorities.  

Today, Cambodia has more than 200 ophthalmologists and over 700 ophthalmic nurses and refraction personnel serving communities nationwide. Eye care infrastructure has expanded across the country, and school eye health programmes have reached hundreds of thousands of students and teachers. National efforts have also contributed to a significant reduction in blindness prevalence, positioning Cambodia as a recognised leader in eye health development within the region.  

The new Eye Health Governance Project 2026-2031, valued at approximately USD 5.6 million, is expected to get funding support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and The Fred Hollows Foundation. This project will support the implementation of Cambodia's National Strategic Plan for Blindness Prevention and Control (2021-2030). The project focuses on strengthening governance and leadership, developing a competent and sustainable eye health workforce, improving quality of care, strengthening data systems, promoting innovation, and supporting equitable access to services across the country.  

The launch also marked Cambodia's national adoption of WHO SPECS 2030, a global strategy aimed at improving effective refractive error coverage through five strategic pillars: Services, Personnel, Education, Cost and Surveillance. The strategy will help guide efforts to address avoidable vision impairment caused by uncorrected refractive error and improve access to affordable, quality spectacles for all Cambodians.  

A defining feature of the Eye Health Governance Project is its commitment to locally led development. The project was developed through extensive consultation and joint planning among Cambodian government institutions, universities, hospitals, professional associations, provincial authorities and development partners, ensuring that national priorities remain at the centre of decision-making and implementation.  

Partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that all Cambodians, regardless of age, gender, disability, income or location, have access to quality and affordable eye health services. The Eye Health Governance Project and WHO SPECS 2030 provide a strong platform for continued collaboration towards a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable eye health system that contributes to better health, education, productivity and quality of life for all.