The Prime Minister of Samoa delivered the keynote address at the official opening of the Pacific Eye Care Society Conference held on 26 June 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel in Apia.
Welcoming delegates from across the region, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of hosting the conference in Samoa for the first time. He said the event aligns with the country’s health sector priorities and its commitment to improving access to quality eye care services.
“Vision is not just a physiological function – it is a human right,” he said, stressing the need to address preventable blindness and visual impairment across the Pacific.
The conference theme, “Universal Eye Health: Participate, Collaborate, Innovate. The Pacific’s Perspective”, was described as consistent with Samoa’s national policies, including the Health Sector Plan 2019/20–2029/30 and the Pathway 2021–2026, both of which prioritise integrated, people-centred services and equitable access to healthcare.
The Prime Minister also referred to the National Eye Care Plan developed in collaboration with the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ and other partners, which focuses on strengthening the eye health workforce, improving service delivery, enhancing data systems, and ensuring inclusion for underserved rural areas.
He acknowledged the ongoing contributions of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, the Singapore National Eye Centre, and The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, noting their role in regional cooperation and capacity building.
The keynote emphasised the need for continued investment in local workforce development and the integration of eye care into primary health systems. He encouraged open dialogue and knowledge-sharing among professionals attending the two-day conference.
“Vision loss is not just a health issue – it is an economic, social, and development issue,” the Prime Minister said, linking eye health to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being.
In closing, he encouraged delegates to experience Samoa’s natural and cultural environment during their stay and wished all participants a productive conference.
This article is based on the keynote address delivered by the Hon. Prime Minister of Samoa at the official opening of the Pacific Eye Care Society Conference, held on 26 June 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel & Bungalow, Vaisigano, Apia.
