Hackathon

At the Hackathon, Global Ophthalmology Summit attendees come together to problem-solve, have thought-provoking conversations, and engage in healthy competition to crowd-source solutions. There is a brief introduction on Friday, planning sessions on all three days, and the competition on Sunday. For dates, times, and location, view the complete program and the following FAQs.

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To get inspired, see topics and winners from previous Hackathons:  

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• 2024 Hackathon 
   

• 2023 Hackathon
   

2025 Hackathon FAQs

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What is a Hackathon?

A Hackathon is a high-energy, time-limited event where interdisciplinary teams come together to tackle real-world challenges. At GOS, your task is to develop a policy brief and visual pitch in response to one of three global eye health challenges. It’s creative. It’s competitive. And it’s fun.
 

What will my group create?

Each group will submit:

1. A visual policy concept to be posted on your group’s poster board Sunday morning.

2. A 60–90 second elevator pitch that finalists will present live to a panel of judges, delivered by one group representative (trainees are encouraged!).

When will we have time to work on the outputs?

 

• Friday, August 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m. - Hackathon Group Work

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• Saturday, August 16, 7:00-8:00 a.m. - Breakfast and optional extra time for brainstorming

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• Sunday, August 17:

7:00–8:00 a.m. - Optional breakfast & final touch-ups

8:00–9:15 a.m. - Final collaboration + poster setup

9:15 a.m. - Team posters go on display for voting

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Note: Working breakfasts are optional based on last year's feedback. Friday afternoon and Saturday morning are your best chance to build momentum as a group.

What is the prompt for my group?

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TOPIC #1: From Policy to Program – National Eye Health Integration

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Scenario: Country X has recently adopted a National Eye Health Policy that recognizes eye health as essential to universal health coverage and commits to reducing avoidable blindness by 2030. However, the policy remains largely aspirational with limited implementation mechanisms or budget allocation.

Challenge: You are part of a working group tasked by the Ministry of Health to translate this national policy into an actionable, district-level program for one region with high cataract burden and low service access.
 

Consider:

• What governance, financing, and accountability systems are needed to implement the policy at scale?

• What role can task-shifting, mobile outreach, or digital systems play in execution? How can you advocate for resources from national and international stakeholders? -What metrics will you track to demonstrate early wins and build momentum?

TOPIC #2: Advocacy for Access – Rebuilding Eye Care Systems After Crisis

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Scenario: Country X has recently experienced a humanitarian crisis (e.g., conflict, natural disaster), disrupting its fragile health system, including eye care services. International organizations have been delivering short-term mobile eye camps, but there is no long-term strategy.

Challenge: You have been asked to develop a policy and advocacy strategy for rebuilding equitable eye care systems post-crisis—one that prioritizes capacity-building, government buy-in, and sustainable infrastructure.

 

Consider:

• How will you advocate for eye care as part of health system recovery planning?

• How can you balance short-term service delivery with long-term capacity-building? What are the roles of international NGOs, local governments, and affected communities?

• How do you ensure equity for displaced populations and marginalized groups?

 

TOPIC #3: Sustainability

 

Scenario: The Ministry of Health in Country X is creating its first National Climate & Health Strategy, and your team has been asked to propose how eye health can be embedded in this strategy. Rising temperatures and changing vector patterns are increasing the prevalence and causes blindness in certain regions, while the need for clinical and surgical care increases waste.

 

Challenge: Develop a national or subnational plan for climate-resilient eye health, including prevention, workforce adaptation, and infrastructure design.

 

Consider:

• How can eye care services be made climate-resilient (e.g., supply chain, facility design, outreach models)?

• What are the co-benefits of eye health for climate resilience (e.g., reducing disability)?

• How do you position eye health in climate and public health advocacy?

• What policies or funding streams can you tap into (domestic or global)?

• How do you get buy-in from stakeholders and healthcare team?

• Consider cost and return on investment of these efforts as well as the financial sustainability of adapting the system to meet needs

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Still have questions?

Look for anyone with a Hackathon pin during the conference, or stop by the Hackathon registration booth to have all of your questions answered.