In this special World Sight Day episode, Steven and Zoe are joined by Caroline Casey, President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and Seth Ginsberg, President of the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF). Together, they explore the critical importance of eye health, especially for those living with chronic diseases like thyroid eye disease and diabetes. Caroline and Seth discuss global initiatives, innovative campaigns like "Love Your Eyes," and how advocating for better eye health can transform lives.

Tune in as we raise awareness for blindness prevention, highlight the need for regular eye checkups, and share valuable insights on how chronic conditions can impact vision.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:17: Caroline Casey introduces herself, sharing her story as an advocate for eye health and her role as President of IAPB

01:51: Seth Ginsberg gives a brief overview of GHLF, explaining how the organization supports patients with chronic illnesses, including those facing vision impairment due to chronic conditions

02:37: Caroline explains the mission of World Sight Day, highlighting the global attention it brings to blindness, eye health, and vision impairment

03:45: Seth discusses the connection between chronic diseases and eye health, emphasizing how conditions like thyroid disorders and diabetes can affect vision

05:47: Caroline describes IAPB's initiatives, including the "Love Your Eyes" campaign and efforts to provide eye care to children and workers globally

09:51: Seth highlights GHLF’s work on thyroid eye disease, detailing GHLF’s resource hub in Australia and how they aim to empower patients to manage their condition

To find all of GHLF’s resources on thyroid eye disease, visit: https://ghlf.org.au/thyroideyedisease/

12:44: Caroline underscores the importance of regular eye checkups, especially for those using devices that strain the eyes, and encourages listeners to take action on World Sight Day

15:40: Seth shares how advocacy empowers patients, explaining the importance of speaking up about symptoms and advocating for better treatments and health care access

18:47: Caroline explains the challenges in making eye health a global priority, highlighting the importance of integrating eye care into primary health care systems

21:32: Seth offers final thoughts, urging listeners to take care of their vision and seek regular eye checkups, especially if they have chronic health conditions

23:38: Caroline and Seth encourage listeners to make a pledge to prioritize eye health, reiterating the importance of advocacy and self-care for both eye health and chronic conditions

24:12: What our hosts learned from this episode

To learn more about IAPB, visit: https://www.iapb.org/

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.