The second Thursday of October is observed annually as World Sight Day, which falls on October 12 this year. The “SightFirstCampaign” was launched by the Lions Clubs International Foundation with the dual purpose of raising awareness regarding avoidable blindness and providing assistance to individuals with visual impairments.
The background of World Sight Day
The service organization Lions Clubs International (L.C.I.) was founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones. Worldwide, Lions Clubs International has coordinated numerous initiatives, including cancer screening programs, fundraising for victims of typhoons and cyclones, diagnosis and management of hearing disorders for the general public, and community hearing.
The ‘SightFirst’ campaign was one of the numerous initiatives undertaken by Lions Clubs International. This 1990-launched initiative sought to combat blindness caused by trachoma and other factors. These campaigns assisted more than 488 million visually impaired individuals.
The Lions Clubs International and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (I.A.P.B.) designated the second Thursday of October as World Sight Day in 2000, in observance of the ‘SightFirst’ campaign. The principal aim was to educate the general populace about the criticality of adhering to safe practices in order to avert blindness and other vision-related complications.
Financial aid and medication supplies were distributed to those in need. A blessing in every sense, this day was observed by millions of people around the globe to raise awareness about eye care and to express gratitude for the gift of vision. Additionally, this day marked progress towards the realization of the World Health Organization’s “VISION 2020,” an initiative that sought to “accelerate and strengthen efforts to prevent avoidable blindness with the ultimate aim of eliminating it by 2020.”
In 2020, World Sight Day was observed under the theme “HopeInSight” in approximately 140 countries worldwide, where over 755 World Sight Day events were organized.
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Engaging in World Vision Day Activities
Acquire assets
There continue to be thousands of individuals who lack the financial means to obtain necessary medical treatment. Request contributions from your friends and family at a fundraiser that you organize for this noble cause. Your efforts will have an enormous impact on the lives of numerous individuals who suffer from vision impairment.
Inform people
Approximately 75% of instances of blindness are avoidable. Inform individuals about available treatments, medications, and healthful practices. You can collaborate with Lions Clubs International to promote awareness.
Obtain an eye exam.
At this moment, it would be prudent to have your eyes examined. The physician will evaluate the state of the blood vessels within the retina as well as assess the general functionality and vision of the patient’s eyes. In addition to visiting the eye clinic in your vicinity, encourage your peers and family to have their eyes examined.
5 Eyes Facts That Will Astound You
Eye development in mammals is estimated to have occurred approximately 500 million years ago.
The irises provide nearly 80% of the information that the brain processes.
With a contraction time of less than 1/100 of a second, the eye muscle is the quickest in the body.
A human eyeblink can vary in duration from one hundred to one hundred and fifty milliseconds.
An eye examination has the capability to detect conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
WORLD SIGHT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | October 14 | Thursday |
| 2022 | October 13 | Thursday |
| 2023 | October 12 | Thursday |
| 2024 | October 10 | Thursday |
| 2025 | October 9 | Thursday |
