World Sight Day

World Sight Day History

World Sight Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and taking action to prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment. It is organized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in cooperation with global healthcare organizations and civil society groups. Key aspects of the observance include the need for increased access to eye care services, an emphasis on early detection and treatment, and the promotion of equitable eye health for all.

Though World Sight Day finds its roots in a global scale, its relevance to India is significant. India is home to one of the largest populations of visually impaired people in the world, with many facing treatable eye ailments such as cataracts and refractive errors. A lack of eye care facilities, particularly in rural areas, and poverty have made access to adequate eye health services difficult for many Indians. The government of India, along with NGOs, has been working to tackle this problem by launching eye health initiatives, awareness campaigns, and expanding access to quality eye care services.

In India, World Sight Day is observed through various activities aimed at promoting awareness about eye health and the importance of regular check-ups for early detection of potential issues. This includes eye health camps in rural communities, education and capacity building for healthcare professionals, and collaborations between government, the private sector, and NGOs to provide affordable eye care services to the underprivileged. World Sight Day is observed globally on the second Thursday of every 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.
• It is estimated that nearly half of all blindness in India is due to cataract, which can be easily treated with surgery. However, due to lack of access to healthcare in some regions, many people are unable to receive this treatment.
• According to a study by the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, computer vision syndrome is prevalent in 60% of software professionals in India. This is due to long hours of computer use without breaks and poor ergonomics at the workstation.

In the News and Trending in India for World Sight Day

Top things to do in India for World Sight Day

• Raise your voice for equal access to quality eye care for everyone, including marginalized communities or underserved areas. Lobby for policies that support the expansion of eye care services and ensure eye health services are affordable and available to all.
• Utilize social media platforms, local television channels, or radio stations to spread awareness about eye health. Share eye care tips, information about common eye conditions, and encourage regular eye check-ups.