Every year, the second Thursday of October marks a crucial occasion on the global calendar, World Sight Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about vision impairment and blindness. This year it falls on 12th October. This World Sight Day, our focus is on helping people understand the importance of protecting their vision in the workplace and calling on business leaders to priorities the eye health of workers, everywhere.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal department to look after all the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities of the country. With the vision to create awareness about Visual impairment among the masses, the Department is observing the World Sight Day on 12th October 2023, through the institutions associated with it by conducting various events across the country.
World Sight Day Theme 2023
The theme for World Sight Day 2023, ‘Love Your Eyes at Work,’ resonates deeply in our fast-paced, digital age where we increasingly strain our eyes through prolonged screen time and demanding work schedules. It emphasizes the importance of caring for our eyes while navigating the challenges of the modern workplace.
History of World Sight Day
The roots of World Sight Day trace back to October 8, 1984, when the Lions Club Foundation initiated this awareness day. Over time, it evolved into a collaborative effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IABP), encompassing NGOs, eye care groups and hospitals globally. This united front aimed to spread awareness about the significance of eye care and the prevention of blindness.
Significance of World Sight Day 2023
World Sight Day holds immense significance in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes significantly to goals related to education, employment, quality of life, and poverty reduction. The day serves as a reminder of the critical role vision plays in the overall well-being of individuals and communities. Various organisations actively participate, advocating for improved accessibility to eye care services worldwide.
Maintaining and enhancing your eye health is crucial, and here are some key recommendations for achieving and preserving good eyesight:
- Balanced Nutrition: Consume a well-rounded diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support eye health, such as Vitamin A, C, and E.
- Manage Your Weight: Keeping a healthy weight is essential, as excess weight can heighten the risk of eye-related conditions, like diabetes, which can lead to vision issues.
- Regular Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle to promote overall well-being, including the health of your eyes.
- Protective Eye Gear: When exposed to the sun, wear sunglasses that provide effective UV protection to shield your eyes from potential sun-induced damage.
- Give Your Eyes a Break: Adhere to the 20-20-20 rule to alleviate eye strain during extended screen use—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something roughly 20 feet away.
- Say No to Smoking: Refrain from smoking, as it is associated with a variety of eye disorders, including macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Proper Care for Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, make sure to follow the recommended hygiene practices to prevent infections and maintain eye health.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland;
- World Health Organization (WHO) Founded: 7 April 1948;
- World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus;
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Founded: 1975;
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Chief Executive: Peter Holland;
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness Headquarters: London.
