Durban Declaration
A landmark commitment to eliminate avoidable blindness and ensure accessible vision care for all Africans.
A Global Commitment to Sight
Adopted in March 2007 at the inaugural World Congress on Refractive Error in Durban, South Africa, this declaration represents a unified call to action for governments, professional bodies, and international organizations worldwide.
The Durban Declaration
We, the delegates assembled at the World Congress on Refractive Error, representing nations from across the globe, recognize that uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, affecting over 153 million people. We acknowledge that this burden falls disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, with Africa bearing a significant share of this preventable disability.
“We call upon governments, professional bodies, manufacturers, suppliers, international organisations, and civil society to take immediate and sustained action.”
- Make refractive services a priority within national health programs and ensure their integration into primary healthcare systems.
- Support the development and deployment of appropriate human resources, infrastructure, and technology for the effective delivery of refractive services within the public sector.
- Rationalise the tariffs, duties, and taxes imposed on spectacles, equipment for refraction, and optical laboratory equipment to improve affordability and accessibility.
- Support and facilitate organisations working towards the elimination of avoidable blindness, including those focused on refractive error correction.
- Establish sustainable mechanisms for the provision of affordable spectacles and refractive services to underserved populations.
- Promote awareness among communities and policymakers about the importance of regular eye examinations and the availability of refractive services.
This declaration was unanimously endorsed by over 650 delegates from more than 50 countries, representing optometric associations, ophthalmology societies, public health organizations, and international development agencies.
Adopted by consensus
World Congress on Refractive Error
International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE)
Durban, South Africa • March 2007
The Global Context
The Durban Declaration emerged in response to the World Health Organization’s revelation that over 153 million people were visually impaired due to uncorrected distance refractive error. This figure did not account for the millions more affected by uncorrected presbyopia — a condition that significantly impacts quality of life and economic productivity, particularly in aging populations.
At the time, refractive services were largely unavailable in public health systems across Africa, leaving millions without access to basic vision correction. The declaration sought to change this by establishing refractive error correction as a public health priority and calling for concrete actions from governments and international partners.
Today, the declaration remains a foundational document for AFCO’s advocacy work, guiding our efforts to integrate optometry into primary healthcare and ensure that every African has access to quality vision care.
Legacy of the Declaration
How the Durban Declaration has shaped eye health policy and practice across Africa
Policy Integration
The declaration has influenced national health policies across Africa, leading to the integration of refractive services into primary healthcare systems in several member nations.
Workforce Development
Increased investment in optometric education and training programs across the continent, expanding the number of qualified eye care professionals.
Affordability Initiatives
Advocacy efforts have resulted in reduced tariffs and duties on optical products in multiple African countries, making spectacles more affordable.
Public Awareness
Enhanced awareness campaigns have increased community understanding of the importance of regular eye examinations and available refractive services.
Endorsements & Recognition
The Durban Declaration continues to be recognized as a landmark document in global eye health
Download the Declaration
Access the full text of the Durban Declaration and related advocacy materials