World Sight Day is globally observed every year on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment. This year, it falls on October 12, with the theme ‘Love Your Eyes at Work.’ The Indian government has organized various events across the country to highlight the importance of protecting vision in the workplace. A press note from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) emphasizes the focus on helping people understand the significance of safeguarding their vision at work and calls on business leaders to prioritize the eye health of workers.
Why do we celebrate World Sight Day
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is spearheading several events to create awareness about visual impairment. World Sight Day has been observed since 2000 and is now coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in collaboration with the World Health Organization. It originated as part of the SightFirst Campaign by the Lions Club International Foundation and has featured different themes throughout its 22-year history.
Preceding World Sight Day, the United Nations marked the occasion with a unique exhibition of photos at its New York headquarters. Termed as the world’s first ‘blurred’ photo exhibition, it showcases images focused on various vision-related ailments. The exhibition, titled ‘2030 IN SIGHT,’ aims to present the world through the eyes of those living with avoidable sight loss. It encourages individuals to consider the direct implications of avoidable and treatable eye health conditions on individuals, communities, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as explained in a recent press note by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
There are various ways to engage in World Sight Day
- Schedule an Eye Examination: If you haven’t had an eye check-up in the past year, consider scheduling an appointment with an eye specialist.
- Raise Awareness: Initiate discussions with your friends and family about the importance of maintaining good eye health and encourage them to undergo regular eye check-ups.
- Participate in Local Events: Join community activities that focus on promoting eye health and improving access to eye care services.
Ensuring optimal eye health is imperative. Consider the following simple guidelines:
Regular Eye Exams: Schedule periodic eye check-ups to monitor and assess your eye health.
Sunglasses: Safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses whenever you are outdoors.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a well-balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity to promote overall health, including eye health. Additionally, quit smoking: smoking poses risks to your eyes; quitting can significantly reduce the likelihood of eye-related issues.