This issue focuses on ophthalmic nursing, and their crucial role in eye care. However, in the South Asian context most of the countries have other ophthalmic professionals as part of the eye care workforce, such as nurse practitioners trained in eye care; ophthalmic and optometric assistants; vision technicians, optometrists, ocularists and orthoptists; ophthalmic and optometric technicians, and ophthalmic administrators. These professionals are qualified to assist in screening/diagnostic evaluation, management and care of patients with visual system disorders and impairments. The lack of well-trained eye care team members is a major challenge to be addressed while improving eye care in South Asia. Training and career development are necessary for the advancement of these cadres. Several nations have identified the need to address these gaps and are working towards providing much-needed training to the cadres. Read this issue to know how well-trained workforce can effectively contribute to improving eye care systems. We have included case studies from different countries of the region, highlighting the exceptional role played by ophthalmic professionals in reaching the unreached.