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Dear Readers,
VISION 2020 The Right to Sight brought together several organisations working in different areas of eye care to work together collaboratively. Through advocacy which is its major role it highlighted to the eye care community in concise yet practical terms the major thrust areas in eye care which needed to be addressed. As this is an important effort which needs to run parallel to eye care service delivery we have decided to focus on the theme Advocacy in Eye Care in this issue of Sitenews. We are looking at this theme as one of identifying the limiting factors for eye care service delivery and applying the right advocacy mechanisms to getting it addressed.
We begin with by providing resources to get clarity on the theme of Advocacy. National plans from various countries in the area of avoidable blindness are shared. At the country level for the plan to be actionable it is often seen that a lot of lobbying is required outside eye care. This requires the effort of the right advocacy mechanisms to be in place so that it reaches the target audience and necessary changes do take place. E-resources to understand the advocacy issues in eye care which are external in nature for example availability of supplies, training, and availability of skilled human resource are also provided. Each of the five major eye disease identified by VISION 2020 cataract, refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and paediatric eye care require service delivery to be provided in a different manner. The advocacy issues for providing eye care service delivery for these diseases are also highlighted.
The organization we are featuring is The National Centre For Advocacy Studies.
We wish you an experience of learning that is very practical. Your feedback will let us know how we can improve. Please send in your feedback at eyesite@aravind.org. We look forward to your feedback.
Wish you a productive reading!

Happy reading!
Regards,
Vision 2020 e-resource team
The Issue Features...
Advocacy in Eye Care
Vol. 5 No. 10 October 2008
•   Introduction to Advocacy
•   National Plans For Eye Care Service Delivery
•   Advocacy Mechanism
•   Advocacy Issues In Eye Care
•   Advocacy Issues Disease Wise
•   Featured Organization
Introduction to Advocacy
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Advocacy is a process to bring about change in the policies, laws and practices of influential individuals, groups and institutions.

      Advocacy is the act of arguing on behalf of a particular issue, so that it gets the attention it deserves, or on behalf of particular groups of people, so that their voices are heard and their interests are taken into account. Usually these groups are vulnerable or disadvantaged in some way, for example: women, children, the elderly, and the visually impaired. The aim of advocacy is to persuade those in authority or those with influence to use their authority to promote actions that are desirable and beneficial for a particular group of persons. A related word is "lobbying"; it is used when people work to achieve a specific goal (often in their own interests) by influencing authorities or elected officials. "Health activism" is another related concept, which describes people actively striving for better health, on behalf of themselves and others.
   
  • INTRODUCING ADVOCACY

    • Abstract
    This article mainly deals with what is advocacy, why do we need to advocate and how we should advocate.

  • USEFUL RESOURCES FOR ADVOCACY

    • Abstract
    This section contains very useful resource on Advocacy which was compiled by the Journal of community eye Health.

  • AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCACY: TRAINING GUIDE

    • Abstract
    This training guide introduces the concept of advocacy and provides a framework for developing an advocacy campaign. The guide is designed for a workshop setting, but can also be used as a self-teaching device. Divided into twelve modules, the guide presents general information on advocacy training.

  • HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF

    • Abstract
    This handbook is designed to help you to learn how to be successful in advocating for yourself and others. Most of us have some experience in advocacy. For example, as parents, we often find that we are able to be effective advocates for our children or we have helped a friend in crisis. However, we often find it difficult to be objective when dealing with issues that affect us directly.

National Plans For Eye Care Service Delivery
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      Given the constant battle to curb avoidable blindness, the efforts at the national level are crucial for eye care service delivery to actually reach the people.
Advocacy Mechanism
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      There is a need to translate the eye care issues into action. The means used is advocacy mechanism. This can be in the form of different strategies. For effectiveness the evidence for the same should also be strong to help bring about the necessary changes. A wide range of stakeholders should be involved in the process to allow for a real dialogue and to ensure change happens.
      Advocacy involves lobbying - speaking directly to key decision makers and those who influence these decision makers - and campaigning, which aims to mobilise public and media support for an issue.
      Where needed, advocacy can be supported by information, communication, education, publicity, and fundraising.
  • ADVOCACY MECHANISMS FOR EYE CARE

    • Abstract:
    This presentation is about the advocacy mechanisms. It provides some broad guidelines to make advocacy effective at various levels.

  • TURNING FINE WORDS INTO ACTION: SUGGESTIONS FOR HIGH-LEVEL ADVOCACY

    • Abstract:
    Advocacy is a crucial activity for achieving the goals of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight. Progress towards the elimination of avoidable blindness depends on political will and on making available more human and financial resources. In order for this to happen, advocacy is necessary. It can influence the policies and practices of key decision makers, particularly governments, the Word Health Organization (WHO), and development and funding bodies.

  • ADVOCACY TOOL KIT

    • Abstract:
    This is an advocacy kit for health care developed by WHO for World Health Day 2006.

  • PROGRAMS: ADVOCACY FOR PRESERVATION OF VISION

    • Abstract:
    This link consists of Programs related to Advocacy for Preservation and Restoration of Vision.

  • CONVINCING GOVERNMENTS TO ACT: VISION 2020 AND THE MILLENNIUM Development GOALS

    • Abstract:
    This article helps NGO's and INGO's to choose those facts and arguments that will be most likely to convince their government to act to prevent blindness.

  • FUNDRAISING AS ADVOCACY

    • Abstract:
    This article will attempt to review some of the ways in which fundraising can be used as an advocacy tool. It will focus on the experience of Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM) in attempting to establish such a focus.

Advocacy Issues In Eye Care
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      Advocating for eye health means working to change the policies and practices of those institutions, and the attitudes and behaviours of those individuals, whose actions affect the elimination of avoidable blindness.
  • IMPROVING GENDER EQUITY IN EYE CARE: ADVOCATING FOR THE NEEDS OF WOMEN

    • Abstract:
    This article discusses about the main reasons for high level of female blindness.

  • ADVOCACY TO IMPROVE THE DELIVERY OF EYE CARE

    • Abstract:
    This article focuses on using advocacy as a tool for improving the delivery of eye care services - both in terms of reaching more people, and in terms of improving the quality of services available for specific eye conditions.

  • THE COST UTILITY OF EYE CARE AND THE ICO ADVOCACY PROGRAM


  • ADVOCACY TO DELIVER EYE CARE

    • Abstract:
    This presentation briefs about advocacy, target groups, their role and advocacy matrix in eye care.

  • ADVOCACY FOR EYE HEALTH

    • Abstract:
    This article emphasizes about the need for advocacy in eye care.

  • ADVOCACY ENABLING EFFECTIVE EYE CARE

    • Abstract:
    This presentation covers the advocacy related issues prevailing in the current eye care scenario and also how proper advocacy can make a difference.

  • ADVOCACY IN EYE CARE

    • Abstract:
    This presentation "Advocacy in Eye Care" broadly covers 'what is Advocacy', 'why it is important' and 'what are the basic components of Advocacy'. It explicitly describes various aspects such as objectives of advocacy in eye care, evidence for use of advocacy, critical role of advocacy in achieving the goals of Vision 2020, target audience for advocacy and how to measure the impact of advocacy.

  • INTERNATIONAL OPHTHALMOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE VISION - VISION FOR THE FUTURE

    • Abstract:
    The International Ophthalmology Strategic Plan to Preserve and Restore Vision - Vision for the Future is designed to encourage, enhance and coordinate activities of the approximately 150,000 ophthalmologists and the many additional thousands of physicians, health specialists and societal leaders in a sustained program to decrease the toll of blindness and visual impairment throughout the world.

  • BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITIES

    • Abstract:
    This article will examine the process of communication in terms of need, opportunity and means. It will also examine the potential benefits of improved communication between health care professionals and community members in terms of what health care professionals might learn from the community. It is important to remember that community members include people with visual impairments and their families.

  • OVERARCHING ISSUES IN EYE CARE - SRI LANKA

    • Abstract:
    This presentation highlights the current issues that limit eye care service delivery in Srilanka. The issues included HR Challenges, Equity, Political Will and Government Support, National and sub national structures, Professional Commitment, Eye Care Delivery Systems, Awareness, Quality and Supplies & equipment.

  • EYE HEALTH IN THE FUTURE: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS?

    • Abstract:
    We all know about the past of eye care. This article highlights about the challenges we face in the future.

  • OVERARCHING ISSUES IN EYE CARE - INDONESIA

    • Abstract:
    This presentation highlights the current issues that limit eye care service delivery in Indonesia. The issues included HR Challenges, Equity, Political Will and Government Support, National and sub national structures, Professional Commitment, Eye Care Delivery Systems, Awareness, Quality and Supplies & equipment.

  • OVERARCHING ISSUES IN EYE CARE - INDIA

    • Abstract:
    This presentation highlights the current issues that limit eye care service delivery in India. The issues included HR Challenges, Equity, Political Will and Government Support, National and sub national structures, Professional Commitment, Eye Care Delivery Systems, Awareness, Quality and Supplies & equipment.

  • OVERARCHING ISSUES IN EYE CARE - BANGLADESH

    • Abstract:
    This presentation highlights the current issues that limit eye care service delivery in Bangladesh. The issues included HR Challenges, Equity, Political Will and Government Support, National and sub national structures, Professional Commitment, Eye Care Delivery Systems, Awareness, Quality and Supplies & equipment.

  • OVERARCHING ISSUES IN EYE CARE - NEPAL

    • Abstract:
    This presentation highlights the current issues that limit eye care service delivery in Nepal. The issues included HR Challenges, Equity, Political Will and Government Support, National and sub national structures, Professional Commitment, Eye Care Delivery Systems, Awareness, Quality and Supplies & equipment.

  • THE CHALLENGES OF ADVOCACY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

    • Abstract:
    VISION 2020 has not achieved the same level of success in sub Saharan Africa, where a large number of people still suffer from blindness. This article highlights the challenges of advocacy in sub Saharan Africa.

Advocacy Issues Disease Wise
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      Advocating for eye health means working to change the policies and practices of those institutions, and the attitudes and behaviours of those individuals, whose actions affect the elimination of avoidable blindness.
      Advocacy involves lobbying - speaking directly to key decision makers and those who influence these decision makers - and campaigning, which aims to mobilise public and media support for an issue.
      Where needed, advocacy can be supported by information, communication, education, publicity, and fundraising.
Featured Organization
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NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ADVOCACY STUDIES (NCAS)
      National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS) is a social change resource centre working with social action groups, public interest professionals and citizens from all over India & the Global South. NCAS began its work in 1992. It was set up with the aim of empowering people working towards changing the social fabric of our country for a just and humane society. It is a membership based organisation registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860 and the Bombay Public Trusts Act,1950. The centre has been promoted by more than fifty credible grassroots organisations and social action groups from different regions of India.
The Vision
     NCAS is a pro-active learning organisation that works towards a participatory, rights based and people-centred policy environment and a transparent and accountable governance; to advance human rights, equitable social change and distributive justice.
The Mission
     The mission of NCAS is to get access to democratic institutions and to effectively advocate the rights of marginalised sections and to empower them (The marginalised sections include especially women, tribals, dalits and labourers in the unorganised sector).

Visit our website : www.ncasindia.org
  Archives
  • Demand Generation [Oct. 2007]
  • Low Vision & Refractive Error [Oct. 2006]
  • Ophthalmic Equipment and Instruments [Oct. 2005]
  • Strategy worksheet for continually improving quality of services and checklist [Oct. 2004]
  • Macular Degeneration [Sep. 2008]
  • Trachoma [Sep. 2007]
  • Tele Ophthalmology [Sep. 2006]
  • IEC [Sep. 2005]
  • Quality Cataract Series - Paramedical Contributions Module [Sep. 2004]
  • Amblyopia [Aug. 2008]
  • Eye Banking [Aug. 2007]
  • Medical Records in Hospitals [Aug. 2006]
  • Start up eye Hospital [Aug. 2005]
  • Sterilization Protocol [Aug. 2004]
  • Computer Vision Syndrome [Jul. 2008]
  • Diabetic Retinopathy [Jul. 2007]
  • Housekeeping in Hospitals [Jul. 2006]
  • Refractive Error [Jul. 2005]
  • Medical Records Protocol [Jul. 2004]
  • Creating Awareness about Eye Care [Jun. 2008]
  • Paediatric Eye Care Services [Jun. 2007]
  • Quality Assurance in Eye Care [Jun. 2006]
  • Low Vision [Jun. 2005]
  • Magnitude of Cataract Blindness Estimation Tool [Jun. 2004]
  • Resource Utilization [May. 2008]
  • Managing People [May. 2007]
  • Refractive Correction [May. 2006]
  • Cataract [May. 2005]
  • Cataract Frequently Asked Questions [May. 2004]
  • Eye Care Barriers [Apr. 2008]
  • Ophthalmic Emergencies in Eye Care [Apr. 2007]
  • Evidence for Action - Cataract Control [Apr. 2006]
  • Paediatric Eye Care Service Delivery [Apr. 2005]
  • Introduction to SiteNews [Apr. 2004]
  • Global Eye Care Programme [Mar. 2008]
  • Eye Care Information Resource Center [Mar. 2007]
  • Leadership [Mar. 2006]
  • Strategic Planning Tools [Mar. 2005]
  • Standardization through Clinical Protocols [Feb. 2008]
  • Patient Education Resources [Feb. 2007]
  • Community Outreach - Cataract [Feb. 2006]
  • Frequently Asked Questions on Eye Glasses! [Feb. 2005]
  • Materials Management in Hospitals [Jan. 2008]
  • Financial Planning for Eye Hospital [Jan. 2007]
  • Counselling [Jan. 2006]
  • Refractive Error Service Resources [Jan. 2005]

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