World Sight Day

World Sight Day is every second Thursday in October annually. The holiday is all over the world to increase public awareness about vision problems and blindness. On this day, it’s time to remember your own vision, to make sure that even in old age it remains clear and crisp.

History

World Sight Day was founded by the Lions Clubs International Foundation during their “SightFirst Campaign,” which was created in 1990 with the aim of combating blindness due to trachoma and other causes. Thanks to this initiative of the foundation, 488 million people with visual impairments were able to receive timely assistance. In 2000, the holiday was established in cooperation with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Every year, first-aid kits and material assistance were sent to visually impaired people. In 2020, 755 events were held in 140 countries around the world, dedicated to World Sight Day.

Interesting facts

• About 285 million people in the world live with blindness or low vision.
• 39 million people in the world are completely blind.
• 90% of the blind live in countries with a low standard of living.
• About 65% of visually impaired people are over 50.
• According to the IAPB, about 80% of visual impairments, if diagnosed early, can be either prevented or easily cured.

How to take part

An ideal way to celebrate World Sight Day would be to visit an ophthalmologist for a routine eye exam and identify any hidden or obvious eye problems. Early diagnosis of ophthalmic diseases helps to prevent negative consequences and start timely treatment. On this day, it is also a good idea to give your eyes a break from working at a computer or reading a book, and to just go for a walk, meet friends and family.

When is World Sight Day in 2024?

World Sight Day is observed on the second Thursday in October each year.

Observations