The World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region has some of the highest rates of vision loss caused by refractive error (often referred to as “shortsightedness” or “longsightedness”) − a condition that often begins in childhood and can usually be corrected with a simple pair of glasses. Yet, it is estimated that less than half of the people in the Region have access to quality-assured and affordable eye-care services.
Launched globally in 2024, the WHO SPECS 2030 initiative envisions a world where everyone who needs refractive error interventions can access quality-assured, affordable and people-centred services. Pioneering Member States in the Western Pacific Region are now adopting and advancing this initiative to strengthen refractive error services and ensure better vision for all.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia was the first country in the world to launch the SPECS 2030 initiative at the country level. In October 2024, the Ministry of Health convened a two-day workshop in Kuala Lumpur titled MySPECS. Led by Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah, Deputy Director General of Health (Research and Technical Support), Ministry of Health, and Dr Mohamad Aziz Salowi, Public Health Ophthalmologist, and with the participation of WHO staff, the event convened more than 30 experts representing a range of eye health services and professions from different regions of the country./teams/division-of-programmes-for-disease-control-(ddc)/management-of-noncommunicable-diseases-(mnd)/malaysia-1(1).jpg?sfvrsn=79ce168c_1 "Malaysia 1(1)")
Participants attending the introductory presentation to SPECS 2030 at the MySPECS Workshop in Kuala Lumpur. © WHO
Participants mapped out the structure and planning of the initiative at the country level, especially among professional organizations, the education sector, private partners, nongovernmental organizations and other civil society entities. A clear message came through: action must be taken for the provision of glasses through the education sector, especially for school-aged children.
Now that the initiative has been launched, the focus will be on expanding eye-care services and providing glasses in new settings to make it more accessible and affordable for everyone./teams/division-of-programmes-for-disease-control-(ddc)/management-of-noncommunicable-diseases-(mnd)/malaysia-2(1).jpg?sfvrsn=c65158f0_3 "Malaysia 2(1)")
Participants at the launch of the MySPECS Workshop in Kuala Lumpur. © WHO
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
In February 2025, a two-day workshop was held in Vientiane on the WHO eye care situation analysis tool (ECSAT) and systems leadership, bringing together government officials, WHO staff, representatives from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), international experts and local partners.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the eye health system in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and shape an updated National Eye Health Strategy. Organized by the Laos Eye Care Working Group with support from WHO, IAPB and the Ministry of Health, the event also marked the official launch of ECSAT in the country and served to introduce SPECS 2030 at the national level, with first steps taken towards defining the country’s needs and priorities./teams/division-of-programmes-for-disease-control-(ddc)/management-of-noncommunicable-diseases-(mnd)/lao-pdr.png?sfvrsn=33222358_3 "Lao PDR")
Participants in the workshop on ECSAT and systems leadership in Vientiane. © WHO
Participants reviewed ECSAT findings through data analysis and breakout sessions, identifying system strengths and gaps to guide future planning. It was emphasized that the importance of evidence-based strategies was rooted in local data.
The workshop also drew lessons from Cambodia’s eye care reform, shared by the Fred Hollows Foundation, while opening the door for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to align its new strategy with SPECS 2030 and begin developing a plan that addresses both national challenges and regional eye health goals.
INDONESIA
This year, Indonesia has brought together national and international stakeholders under the leadership of the Government of Indonesia and especially the Ministry of Health to advance the launch of SPECS 2030.
As part of these efforts, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific and the WHO country office for Indonesia have worked closely with the Ministry of Health and national stakeholders to identify priority areas for collaboration. In August 2025, WHO provided the Ministry with technical support for national planning on refractive error and sensory health actions, building on previous actions towards the launch of SPECS 2030.
In early October 2025, a multi-stakeholder meeting was held in Jakarta to discuss national plans for implementing SPECS 2030. The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration among the government, civil society organizations, medical professionals, disability groups, development agencies, and private sector partners. Participants highlighted the need to align policies, expand services, and ensure equitable access for vulnerable populations.
On World Sight Day, held globally every 9 October, Indonesia officially launched SPECS 2030 at the national level. The Government of Indonesia and key stakeholders signed a historic declaration to expand access to affordable eyewear and eye health services.
“By addressing refractive disorders comprehensively, Indonesia is tackling key barriers to human development,” said Dr N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Indonesia. “This initiative combines service improvements with systemic reform and multi-stakeholder engagement, serving as a model for other countries. WHO stands ready to support Indonesia in achieving universal eye health coverage by 2030.”
/teams/division-of-programmes-for-disease-control-(ddc)/management-of-noncommunicable-diseases-(mnd)/indonesia-2(1).jpg?sfvrsn=98dc42f0_3 "Indonesia")
Representatives from the Indonesia Ministry of Health, provincial and city health offices, hospitals, WHO, Ophthalmologist Association (PERDAMI), Union for the Blinds (PERTUNI), OneSight-Essilor, and Fred Hollows Foundation during the Collaborative Action to Implement the 2025-2030 Vision Health Roadmap and launch of SPECS 2030 Indonesia Initiative in October 2025. © WHO / Rosa Panggabean
Following the launch of SPECS 2030, WHO and the Ministry of Health held a virtual seminar on vision screening for more than 300 health workers from public health centres. The seminar provided a refresher course on methods to conduct vision screening outside health facility settings. Through this activity, SPECS 2030 contributed to strengthening the implementation of the Free Health Check Program launched by the Government of Indonesia at the beginning of this year.
Countries in the Region preparing to launch SPECS 2030 in 2025−2026
CHINA
China has one of the highest caseloads of myopia in children worldwide, with over half of students affected, rising from 36.7% in primary school to 81.2% in senior high school. Mild myopia accounts for most cases, while high myopia has declined to 9.7%, reflecting progress in national prevention efforts. Early detection and control remain crucial to reduce long-term visual impairment.
The Chinese Government has taken a multi-sectoral approach, including issuing a national action plan, implementing policies to ensure early vision screening, introducing stage-specific guidelines, expanding physical activity and rolling out public awareness campaigns. All three levels of WHO − country, regional and global − are working closely with the Government and academic partners to strengthen refractive error services, support the integration of WHO SPECS 2030 into national efforts and advance evidence-based myopia prevention and control in the country.
PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is preparing to launch the WHO SPECS 2030 initiative in late 2025, with a demonstration phase planned for 2026–2027. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by recent data highlighting a surge in myopia, with over 2.17 million Filipinos affected in 2023, and projections suggesting nearly half the population may be affected by 2050. The problem is particularly acute among children, where rates of refractive error rise sharply with age and have been linked to pandemic-driven lifestyle changes such as excessive use of mobile phones and other eye-straining activities.
To address these challenges, the Department of Health and WHO will pilot SPECS 2030 in one province starting in late 2025/early 2026. The initiative will strengthen coordination with key ministries such as health and education, support the inclusion of refractive error services in national strategies, and provide technical guidance and capacity-building for the health workforce. Activities will also include advocacy and awareness campaigns, as well as the integration of surveillance systems to track progress. By aligning with existing national efforts such as the National Vision Screening Program, SPECS 2030 aims to build sustainable solutions for eye health in the Philippines.
MONGOLIA
Mongolia took an important step in advancing eye health with the launch of SPECS 2030 at a national stakeholder meeting in Ulaanbaatar in September 2025. With support from WHO, the Ministry of Health completed a situation analysis for eye health using ECSAT, providing a foundation for national planning under SPECS 2030.
The meeting brought together government officials, partners and international experts, including staff from the WHO country office for Mongolia, the Regional Office and WHO headquarters, to review findings and identify practical actions across the five strategic pillars of SPECS 2030. Discussions also explored opportunities for stronger public–private collaboration, with partners such as Orbis, as Mongolia moves forward in shaping its national plan to ensure access to quality-assured, affordable and people-centred refractive error services.
VANUATU
Vanuatu launched the WHO SPECS 2030 initiative at an introductory country workshop in October 2025, with activities linked to World Sight Day. This workshop provided an important platform for dialogue, enabling stakeholders to share insights, coordinate efforts and direct resources towards more effective and sustainable eye care programmes. The goal is to foster collaboration, strengthen alignment across different sectors and collectively identify solutions to improve access to refractive error services in the country.
The workshop will also serve as an opportunity to deepen understanding of the initiative’s purpose, strategies and outcomes, while mobilizing participation from government ministries, the private sector and local organizations. Through this collaborative approach, Vanuatu will be better positioned to strengthen eye health services and contribute to achieving universal access to affordable and people-centred vision care.