World Sight Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the prevention and treatment of vision impairment and blindness. This global initiative aims to promote eye health, address accessibility to eye care services, and advocate for the inclusion of eye health in national health agendas. The event is crucial for drawing attention to the importance of regular eye examinations, the availability of proper eyewear, and the need for improved eye care infrastructure and education.
The history of World Sight Day traces back to the year 2000 when it was first established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). With the United States experiencing a higher prevalence of eye-related disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, World Sight Day has particular relevance for the American population. These conditions affect millions of Americans and can often lead to preventable vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, observing World Sight Day in America serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their eye health and helps raise awareness of the need for eye care professionals and resources in underserved communities.
In the United States, World Sight Day is typically marked by various activities and events that encourage people to focus on their eye health. These may include free eye screenings, educational workshops, and awareness campaigns in collaboration with local health organizations, optometrists, and ophthalmologists. Nonprofits and community organizations often play a significant role in organizing these events and spreading awareness, urging the American public to take proactive steps towards maintaining their eye health. World Sight Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of October.
World Sight Day facts
The theme for World Sight Day in 2023 was Love Your Eyes.
Globally, more than 2.2 billion people have some form of vision impairment according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
According to iapb.org, China and India together account for 49% of the world’s total burden of blindness and vision impairment, while their populations represent 37% of the global population.
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