South American public ophthalmology initiatives

Public health initiatives and expert guidance regarding ophthalmology and visual health have been highlighted across South America.

In Brazil, ophthalmologist Douglas Lazzaro warned against daily habits such as inadequate hydration, poor diet, and lack of sunlight protection to delay eye disease progression. Concurrently, the municipal government in Parauapebas allocated over R$ 400,000 to expand eye care services, increasing consultations and exams through the Municipal Health Secretariat and the Health in School Program.

In Ecuador, the Fundación Metrofraternidad reported over 1,300 consultations and 92 surgeries through August 2026 via its Childhood Blindness Prevention Program, launching a low-cost consultation campaign in October to aid early diagnosis of conditions like pediatric glaucoma and strabismus.

In Colombia, the Bogotá District Administration introduced Resolution 1037 of 2026, which restricts mobile phone and screen device use in schools to mitigate eye fatigue and dryness. This follows data from the Bogotá Health Observatory showing visual impairment accounted for roughly 5.5% of certified disabilities in the capital from 2020 to 2024.