World Sight Day in the United States

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. It is a part of the Vision 2020 initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

History:

• Initiation: The IAPB, with support from the WHO, launched VISION 2020: The Right to Sight in 1999.
• First Observation: World Sight Day was first observed as part of VISION 2020 in the year 2000.

Traditions:

• There are no fixed traditions as such; activities vary each year based on the theme set by IAPB.
• Often involves educational seminars and vision screenings.

Activities in United States:

• Screenings and Check-Ups: Eye care organizations, hospitals, and NGOs often organize free eye screening events.
• Fundraising: Charities raise funds for projects aimed at improving eye health services domestically and globally.
• Awareness Campaigns: Government agencies and private organizations engage in social media campaigns to educate about preventable blindness.
• Community Outreach: Volunteers may visit schools to promote eye health awareness among children.

By focusing on prevention, access to treatments, and support for those with sight loss, World Sight Day aims to inspire action towards a world where vision impairment is no longer a barrier to living a fulfilling life.