The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has announced the winners of the 10th annual World Sight Day Photo Competition, a global initiative highlighting the importance of accessible and affordable eye care.

The competition drew more than 500 submissions from photographers in over 60 countries, highlighting stories and moments that reflect the impact of improved vision and the significance of eye health.

The judging panel selected “Shakul’s Eyes,” photographed by Marijn Fidder in Uganda, as the Professional Photo of the Year, and “Makalika and her son post-surgery,” captured by Darren James in Samoa, as the Amateur Photo of the Year.

Since its launch in 2015, the competition has grown into a prominent platform for eye health photography. To commemorate its 10th anniversary, IAPB released a digital exhibition titled “Celebrating 10 Years of the World Sight Day Photo Competition,” featuring notable images from past editions.

This year’s judges included representatives from the eye health, media, and photography sectors:

• Anna Braeken: vice president, global ophthalmology lead, Bayer

• Anne Cooper: editorial director, 20/20 Magazine and Vision Monday, Jobson Optical Group

• Samit Sakib Gore: director of operations and innovation, Vision Friend Sakib Gore

• Abdullah Al-Majed: Saudi photographer and winner of the 2024 World Sight Day Photo Competition

• Jessica Miller: deputy online editor, Amateur Photographer Magazine, photographer and curator

• Lucy Miller: deputy editor, Optometry Today

“It was honestly such a joy to go through the images. They carried so much emotion, warmth, and purpose,” says Gore, director of operations and innovation at Vision Friend Sakib Gore. “Each photo was a reminder of why this work matters and how powerful a single moment can be when it restores not just sight, but life itself.”