“Love Your Eyes”: South Sudan Celebrates World Sight Day with a Focus on Vision Health

Participants march through the streets of Juba during World Sight Day 2025 under the theme “Love Your Eyes”. The event, organized by CBM and partners, aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of early eye check-ups and hygiene in preventing trachoma and other avoidable eye diseases in South Sudan. (Photo: Ruthilla Digital)

In Juba, South Sudan, on October 9, 2025, the country joined the global celebration of World Sight Day, under the theme “Love Your Eyes.” This event, organised by Christian Blind Mission South Sudan in collaboration with Buluk Eye Centre and other partners, underscored the urgent need for increased investment in eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness across the nation.

The vibrant celebration saw a colourful procession through Juba’s streets, bringing together health workers, medical students, government representatives, and community members. This march served as a powerful reminder of the importance of eye health and the significance of early screening. Following the procession, free eye check-ups were offered, diabetes screenings were conducted, and community outreach activities were organised at Buluk Eye Centre.

Francis Okelo, Country Director for CBM South Sudan, expressed the organisation’s commitment to World Sight Day, stating, “World Sight Day holds great importance for CBM, as our core mission is to reduce avoidable blindness. South Sudan faces a concerning high rate of cataract and trachoma, both preventable causes of blindness. We are actively collaborating with government health facilities to strengthen eye care systems, train ophthalmologists, and provide essential equipment and medical supplies to combat avoidable blindness nationwide.”

Mr. Okelo highlighted CBM’s system-strengthening approach, which involves supporting government facilities in establishing or upgrading eye clinics, enhancing the capacity of local doctors, and supplying crucial medicines and consumables. He also urged the government to allocate more budget resources and prioritise eye health in national planning.

An eye health worker examines a child’s eye at a local health facility in Juba during an outreach organized by CBM to mark World Sight Day 2025. The initiative focuses on promoting early detection, treatment, and hygiene practices to eliminate trachoma across South Sudan. (Photo: Ruthilla Digital)

At Buluk Eye Centre, hundreds of individuals received complimentary consultations and screenings, underscoring the centre’s role in promoting eye health and vision care.

Dr. Emmanuel Lino Aguila, a paediatric ophthalmologist at Buluk Eye Centre, emphasised the significance of World Sight Day, stating, “This day serves as a poignant reminder for everyone to take care of their vision and prioritise eye health.”

Dr. Aguila emphasised the importance of valuing our vision as part of our overall health, as conveyed by the message “Love Your Eyes.” He explained that eye checks are not only for those with problems but also help ensure our eyes remain healthy. Today, the centre is screening for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, allergies, diabetic eye diseases, and providing treatment advice to the community.

Dr. Aguila also highlighted the centre’s ongoing screening for people with diabetes since the beginning of October. This screening helps detect cases where high blood sugar has already