Introduction

The ICO Research Committee has developed a standing report, adopted by WHO, on research priorities for global blindness prevention. The purpose of having this workshop is to develop a plan and collaborations for the implementation of research priorities for the elimination of visual impairment and blindness and towards the goals of VISION 2020, The Right to Sight. This is a joint initiative of ICO and IAPB.

The purpose of the workshop is to develop a plan to implement research priorities over the next 10 years.

The main objectives of the workshop are to:

• To update participants on the main priorities identified in the original ICO and WHO reports on research for global blindness prevention.
• Review the available evidence for control of the major blinding eye diseases and identifying gaps in research that impede successful implementation of programmes
• Identify key research priorities for the next ten years.
• Develop a plan for implementation of these priorities.
• Determine strategies for better dissemination of research findings for use in policy, programming, practice and advocacy.
• Develop strategies for strengthening research in low and middle income countries.

This workshop seeks to develop a global research programme and supporting action plan which can be delivered through the identification of new partnerships and mutually beneficial collaborations between research centres across the globe. Capacity building will be at the heart of the workshop and the strengthening and support of research capacity in all regions, particularly those with the greatest need.