Minister Joseph Meets Young Eye-Health Leaders Following Global Summit

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Michael Joseph has met with three young eye-health leaders to discuss their experiences and efforts to make vision care more accessible in their countries.

The engagement followed their participation in the Global Eye Health Summit, hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda alongside Bangladesh, Guyana, Ireland, Nigeria and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

During the meeting, the participants shared the personal experiences that drew them into eye health, their professional journeys and the initiatives they are pursuing to address gaps in care.

Among them was Cynthia Gape of Botswana, a Software Trainer and Design Lead at Peek Vision. Her commitment to improving eye health was shaped by her mother’s experience with vision loss and difficulties accessing care.

Samit Sakib Gore of India, Director of Operations and Innovation at Vision Friend Sakib Gore, brought his experience in community eye-care initiatives to the discussion. His work focuses on developing services that are both sustainable and accessible.

Also taking part was Juania Mela Mora Cuna Auguste of Haiti, an Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of the Haitian Foundation for the Fight Against Glaucoma (FONHAG). She advocates for early detection of glaucoma and supports people living with visual impairment.

The meeting offered an opportunity to hear how young professionals are responding to eye-health challenges through technology, community services and patient advocacy.

To commemorate their visit, Joseph presented each participant with a copy of A Little Bit of Paradise, a publication showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s beauty and culture.