Andrew Bastawrous | Keynote Speaker

Andrew Bastawrous: Visionary Social Entrepreneur and Global Health Leader

Andrew wears many hats – and he wears them well. He’s an eye surgeon, a global health professor, a social entrepreneur, a co-founder, and a business leader. He has also supported a social enterprise micro-bakery that empowers local communities through sustainable health initiatives. People all over the world turn to him for advice, and it’s easy to see why. With an OBE and a stack of international awards, Andrew isn’t just talking about change – he’s making it happen.

His mix of hands-on experience and big-picture thinking shows what’s possible when you combine purpose with action. As a UBS Global Visionary, he exemplifies what it means to be a global visionary, driving innovation and impact on a global scale. He has collaborated with health organisations worldwide and maintains academic ties with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, reinforcing his commitment to evidence-based global health solutions.

Driving Global Health Equity Through Vision

As an eye surgeon, professor in international eye health and social entrepreneur, Andrew is a problem solver who has taken action on some of the world’s biggest public health issues, including avoidable blindness. He’s a multi-award winning leader in the field and has spoken on the main stage at TED and been recognised by organisations like Rolex, UBS and the World Economic Forum for his efforts to transform eye health and promote global eye care using innovative public health tools across over twenty countries.

A TED Speaker Who Turned a Personal Story into a Global Movement

Andrew’s 2014 main stage TED Talk helped propel Peek Vision—a social enterprise he co-founded—onto the global stage. Using cutting-edge mobile technology and data intelligence, Peek Vision is addressing the global crisis of over 1 billion people living with preventable vision loss. Tools like Peek Acuity are transforming how eye health is delivered, particularly in low-resource settings.

His journey was inspired by a personal experience of vision impairment as a child, and has since grown to encompass medicine, research, entrepreneurship, and social impact. A TED Fellow, Andrew continues to work with global partners on large-scale eye health initiatives. Peek’s mobile-based tools are also accessible via platforms such as the Google Play Store, making quality eye care more available around the world.

The Speaker Who Walks the Talk

Andrew’s speaking style is a mix of scientific rigour, personal stories and compelling narrative. He’s been described as both motivational and inspirational. His talks challenge conventional business wisdom and offer a clear path to integrating purpose into your organisation’s mission. Drawing from his experience in smartphone technology and pioneering projects like Peek Solutions—a class I medical device—Andrew showcases how innovation can drive meaningful change.

He shares insights from collaborations with major banks and eye health organisations to develop innovative financing models that are actively transforming eye health globally. Whether discussing the power of a vision catalyst fund or broader social impact strategies, he inspires audiences to think bigger, act bolder and unleash their potential to create global impact. His recognition, including awards such as the King’s Birthday Honours, reflects his contributions to health innovation and his connection with the British Royal Family’s commitment to public service.