Uniting Optometry for Global Public Health
A global alliance dedicated to building stronger public health solutions for eye care worldwide.
About Our Global Optometry Public Health Alliance
The Global Optometry Public Health Alliance (GOPHA) is a non-profit organization that brings together optometry leaders from around the world. We work collectively to strengthen universal access to essential eye health services.
Global Team
Professionals from around the world working together
Our Vision
To create a future where everyone has access to comprehensive, high-quality eye care, ensuring lives free from preventable blindness and vision impairment.
Our Mission
To empower optometry professionals globally to alleviate the cause of preventable blindness and vision impairment, creating accessible and affordable eye care services for all.
Our Strategy for Global Eye Health
Discover the four core strategies we use to advance eye care as a public health priority around the world.
Global Advocacy
Drive policy to align with the World Health Assembly and UN resolutions on eye care, including collaboration with the WHO's SPECS 2030 initiative.
Workforce Development
Strengthen eye health capacity by supporting the development of optometry and its integration into national health systems.
Education & Awareness
Launch campaigns to educate professionals and the public on the importance of eye health and public health challenges.
Innovation
Promote the adoption of digital health solutions, such as tele-refraction, to expand services in underserved areas.
Our Global Leadership Team
Our alliance is led by a dedicated team of professionals with extensive experience in global public eye health and optometry. They are leading GOPHA's mission to transform global eye health.
Chair
Kovin Naidoo
Chairperson
Regional Representatives
Tuwani Rasengane
Africa
Kah Ooi Tan
East Asia
Charlie Ho
Southeast Asia
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu
Australia
Hassan Awada
Middle East & Eastern Mediterranean
Eva Lazuka-Nicoulaud
Europe
Hector Santiago
Latin America
John Flanagan
North America
Rajeev Prasad
South Asia
Other Roles
Pirindha Govender-Poonsamy
Secretary
Ameer Abou Adela
Member Organisations Coordinator
Benjamin Chandra
Research Associate
Global Public Eye Health News & Resources Hub
Your hub for the latest news, events, and publications from the world of optometry public health and GOPHA.
Join Our Global Optometry Alliance
Join a global network of public health and optometry leaders dedicated to eliminating preventable blindness and improving eye care access.
Membership Benefits
Join a community of professionals committed to advancing global eye health through collaboration and innovation.
Global Advocacy
Participate in worldwide advocacy efforts to promote eye health policies and initiatives.
Access to Resources
Gain access to research, publications, and professional development materials.
Professional Network
Connect with optometry and public health professionals from around the world.
Collaborative Opportunities
Participate in joint projects, research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing programs.
Membership Types
Choose the membership category that best fits your organization or professional background.
General Membership
Professional associations, academic institutions, and other entities directly involved in optometry.
Who Qualifies:
- Professional optometry associations
- Academic institutions with optometry programs
- Organizations directly involved in optometry practice
- Regulatory bodies for optometry
Associate and Individual Membership
Optometrists with an interest in public eye health.
Who Qualifies:
- Individual optometrists interested in public eye health
- Non-profits and other Optometry organisations involved in public health
- Organizations working toward optometry recognition
Affiliate Membership
Organizations, or institutions supporting GOPHA's vision and mission but not directly involved in optometry.
Who Qualifies:
- Public health experts and organizations
- Healthcare industry representatives
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Other professionals interested in advancing eye health
Membership Application
To apply for GOPHA membership, please email us directly.
Public Eye Health Research & Data Collection
Contributing to global eye health through collaborative research and comprehensive data collection initiatives.
Projects:
Global Optometry Education Mapping Study
Comprehensive study mapping the state of optometry education globally.
01-09/2025-ongoing
Contact the Global Optometry Public Health Alliance
Get in touch with our team to learn more about GOPHA's initiatives or to explore collaboration opportunities.
Get in Touch
We're here to help and answer any questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how we can work together to advance global eye health.
General Inquiries
info.gopha@gmail.com
For general questions and information about GOPHA
Secretary
Pirindha Govender-Poonsamy
p.govender@globalophthalmicinstitute.org
Administrative matters
Help Us Transform Global Eye Health
Join our global network of optometry professionals and help us create a world where preventable blindness is eliminated and quality eye care is accessible to all.