When is World Sight Day?
The second Thursday of October is World Sight Day.
What is World Sight Day?
We can stop blindness. Did you know that? Some people who are blind could have kept their sight. That’s a sad reality, so the World Health Organization instituted World Sight Day to bring attention to the number of blind or vision impaired people without proper optical care.
Impoverished nations house around 90% of the world’s vision impaired people. Blindness and vision loss reduce people’s quality of life and restrict their social and economic growth. World Sight Day advocates to improve these people’s access to vision care.
A full 80% of cases of blindness could have been prevented. Cataract surgery, treatment for glaucoma, or simple correction for common eye issues can beat vision impairment before it becomes severe or total.
Not everyone can get these treatments though. That’s not just a bummer. It’s a tragedy, but it’s a tragedy efforts like World Sight Day may one day eradicate.
Facts about World Sight Day!
- Between eyeglasses and contacts, about 75% of adults in the U.S. use corrective eyewear.
- In 2015, there were an estimated 36 million people suffering from blindness globally, and another 217 million suffered from vision impairment at a moderate or severe level.
How to celebrate World Sight Day:
Promote World Sight Day, and donate to organizations that advocate for better vision care in underprivileged regions of the world.
Has it been a while since your last checkup? Schedule an appointment with your optometrist for you and your family. Regular eye care can prevent many vision-related diseases.
Eat well and exercise. Wear eye protection to avoid eye injuries. Also, find out if your family has a history of vision problems, since many preventable issues run in the family.
What’s the hashtag for World Sight Day?
To spread awareness about blindness and vision impairment, use #WorldSightDay on social media.