The control and prevention of blindness and deafness programme works with Member States, partners and collaborating centres to develop strategies for eye health and the prevention of blindness and visual impairment in the Region. As part of the global initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness by 2020, "VISION 2020: The Right to Sight"' aims to eliminate the main causes of avoidable blindness in the Region by 2020.

Activities for the prevention of deafness and hearing impairment include working with Member States in reducing and eventually eliminating avoidable hearing impairment and disability through preventive and rehabilitative measures.