South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has launched a National Eye Care Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, alongside a new training curriculum for ophthalmic clinical officers, in an effort to improve eye health services and reduce preventable blindness.

The announcement was made in Juba during World Sight Day 2026. The five-year plan aims to expand access to quality eye care, strengthen the health workforce and improve the prevention and treatment of avoidable vision loss.

Health officials highlighted the need to bring eye care closer to communities, particularly in underserved areas where access to specialised services can be limited. The new training curriculum is also intended to help strengthen the workforce responsible for providing eye care.

Health partners stressed that progress will depend on trained medical personnel, adequate resources, early detection and affordable treatment. Community awareness and timely referrals are also important to prevent treatable eye conditions from becoming more serious.

The plan marks a new policy step for South Sudan’s eye health sector. Its impact will depend on how effectively the strategy is implemented and whether services reach people who currently face barriers to eye examinations and treatment.