Background

The Vision 2020 Low Vision Resource Centre was formed upon the recommendation of the Asia Pacific Regional Low Vision Workshop in May 2001 to take on the role of a clearinghouse to centralize the purchase and development of low vision devices and assessment materials at particularly low prices to benefit as many low vision persons as possible in the developing countries, especially those with underdeveloped low vision services due to financial constraints.

It was set up in July 2003 to speed up the establishment of low vision clinics and accessibility of low vision services to people with visual impairment, especially those in the developing countries by making high quality low cost equipment and devices available in these countries.

The Christian Blind Mission, The Dark & Light Blind Care, the Hong Kong Society for the Blind and the Sightsavers International contributed to a start-up fund of the Low Vision Resource Centre. The Centre is managed by the Hong Kong Society for the Blind and monitored by a Board of Governors consisting of representatives nominated by the sponsoring organizations with the World Health Organization as an observer.