Here at New York Ophthalmology, we serve patients from all walks of life. Proper eye care allows people to enjoy happy, healthy lives—a student can now see the class whiteboard, or an older adult can read their favorite book. The best way to maintain functional eye health is by scheduling regular checkups with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. We serve patients in the Bronx, Queens, and throughout New York, but many people don’t have access to professional eye care.
For World Sight Day 2020, we want to bring attention to these issues and give support to those in need. Following this year’s slogan “Hope In Sight,” we believe everyone deserves the chance to see their world clearly.
What is World Sight Day?
World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Held on the second Thursday of October, the goal is to focus attention on worldwide issues of blindness and vision impairment. Eye issues impact people of every age, ethnicity, and demographic. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the eye care services they need.
How Does World Sight Day Help People Across the Globe?
According to IAPB, at least 2.2 billion people around the world struggle with vision impairment. At least 1 billion of those people have a condition that could have been prevented with proper eye care.
World Sight Day aims to influence governments and urge them to provide more funding for blindness prevention programs. By raising public awareness and getting money to those in need, this day of awareness helps men, women, and kids avoid sight loss issues and lead healthier lives.
What Can I Do to Help People With Visual Impairments in My Community?
The first thing you can do is ask yourself an important question: When was the last time you got an eye exam? Schedule one for yourself, another for your family members, and ask your friends to do the same. The earlier you can detect potential eye issues, the more likely you are to avoid unnecessary blindness. School-aged children and the elderly are among those most at risk.
After you talk with those closest to you, try spreading awareness in your community. Learn about your country’s or county’s plans to tackle blindness. See what government leaders are doing to support those in need, and encourage giving funding to public eye care programs. By speaking up for the issues that matter, you can ensure everyone has access to sight.
For World Sight Day 2020, schedule your own eye exam and remember to make your voice heard. If you would like to learn more, you can request a consultation online or call our office at 866-599-8774.
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