IAPB’s Advocacy to Action roundtable

‘International collaboration is needed if we want to strengthen eye care in Europe and worldwide.’

Last Tuesday (September 1), Maaike van Zuilen, Global Lead of the WAEH, participated in IAPB’s Advocacy to Action roundtable in Brussels on rare eye diseases. What struck her most was the importance of cooperation across eye hospitals and national borders – not just in Europe but all over the world. 

She said: ‘No single eye hospital or eye department in a country can be expected to provide every highly specialised form of eye care independently. This is particularly relevant for countries with smaller populations. By sharing expertise, developing strong referral networks and learning from one another, we can ensure that patients gain access to the specialist eye care they need, wherever that expertise may be located.’

‘International networks such as the WAEH can help eye hospitals exchange knowledge and experience openly, build a learning community and improve access to high-quality eye care in Europe and worldwide.’

The WAEH would like to thank Louisa Syrett and the IAPB for inviting Maaike van Zuilen for these round tables and to all the guests for sharing their insights so openly and transparently. Looking forward to the next steps!!