A strong eye health workforce is essential if we are to achieve the goal of universal eye health for all. Setting aside funds to train, recruit and employ eye health workers, and motivate them to stay where they are needed, should be seen as an investment rather than a cost. In this issue, 18 authors from five continents share the lessons they have learnt. Their stories remind us that the eye health workforce is made up of individual human beings, all of whom deserve to be valued and treated with respect. We look forward to your feedback – what have you tried, and what did you learn?