Good morning, everyone.
Twenty years.
When you say it in two words, it sounds simple. But for me, these twenty years represent an entire journey—a journey that began in a deeply personal, family setting and evolved over time into a significant public endeavor.
Twenty years ago, both my children were diagnosed with Best disease—a genetic retinal condition that can impair vision.
As a parent, in a moment like that, you first and foremost seek answers. You want to understand what to expect, whom to turn to, what can be done, and whether there is hope.
And out of that personal experience, a simple idea was born:
A family coping with an eye disease should not have to face such uncertainty alone.
There needed to be an organization in Israel to bridge the gap between patients and their families and the medical community—doctors, researchers, and the healthcare system.
That is how the "Lirot" (To See) Association was born.
What began as a family story has, over the years, grown into a much broader mission.
The Association works to prevent blindness and promote eye health, raise awareness, make reliable medical information accessible, encourage early diagnosis, support patients and their families, and advance research and new treatments.
One of the most important things we have learned is that vision loss is not always an inevitable fate. Timely screening, early diagnosis, and proper treatment can often prevent deterioration, preserve independence, and transform lives.
Over the years, approximately 250,000 people have been screened through the organization’s activities, and more than 200 ophthalmologists have participated in providing consultations, raising awareness, and engaging in professional work.
These are impressive figures, yet behind every number stands a person.
A person who received answers. A person who came in for a timely check-up. A family that found a place to turn. And, at times, a person whose vision was saved.
When I look back at these twenty years, what I see first and foremost are people.
Doctors and researchers who contributed their knowledge and time. Volunteers, donors, and partners who chose to join us on this journey. Professionals from the healthcare system and academia. And above all—the patients and their families who placed their trust in us.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Prof. Mordechai Shani, who served as the organization’s president and guided us for years. Prof. Shani, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the experience, wisdom, and public-minded vision you brought with you, as well as for the path we shared and the trust you placed in us. Your contribution has strengthened the organization, and you will always be part of the "Lirot" family.
And this morning, as we mark twenty years and look toward the future, I am pleased to announce that Prof. Yehoshua (Shuki) Shemer has assumed the role of President of the Lir'ot Association. I thank him for his willingness to join us and bring his extensive experience to the organization’s future path. This marks a new chapter for us—one that honors what has already been built while looking ahead to the next twenty years.
And a very special thank you to Nadine Hollander.
For many years, Nadine led the organization’s activities with dedication, professionalism, and deep commitment. A significant part of what we celebrate today was built through her consistent, uncompromising, day-to-day work.
I also want to wish success to Shirley as she steps into this next chapter for the organization. I am confident she will know how to build upon what has been established here, preserve the organization’s spirit, and simultaneously lead it forward.
Ophthalmology has changed dramatically over the past twenty years.
Treatments that once seemed like science fiction have become reality. Genetic research is advancing rapidly. Imaging technologies enable more precise diagnoses. And artificial intelligence is beginning to play a role in diagnosis, research, and medical decision-making.
Yet, for all the technology, we must not forget what matters most:
At the center, there is always the individual—their vision and their quality of life.
Therefore, our role in the coming years is not merely to keep pace with innovation, but to ensure it reaches patients—making it accessible to everyone, including those living in outlying areas and those who face barriers in accessing medical services. I have served as the volunteer chairperson of this organization since its inception.
For me, this has never been merely a job or a role. It was a mission born from my own family’s experience—one that, over the years, evolved into a mission for many other families as well.
This morning marks a moment when we can look back with pride.
But it is also a moment to look ahead.
Our vision for the coming decade is clear: to elevate the prevention of blindness and the importance of eye health within Israel’s public and healthcare agendas; to strengthen the connections between patients, physicians, researchers, and health organizations; and to continue serving as a source of knowledge, support, and hope.
Twenty years ago, I did not know where this path would lead.
Today, I know one thing for certain:
When good people unite around a clear, humanitarian cause, real change is possible.
I extend my gratitude to everyone who has accompanied us on this journey, to all those present here this morning, and to those who will continue with us in the years to come.
We will continue our work to ensure that more people see better, maintain their independence, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Thank you very much.