The eye care community is being encouraged to get behind World Sight Day on 10 October.
Dr Adam Plant, a vitreoretinal specialist with personalEYES in Sydney, said World Sight Day is vitally important to raise awareness about global eye health issues. “With 43 million individuals worldwide facing blindness and 217 million experiencing moderate to severe distance vision impairment, it is truly eye-opening to recognise that 90% of these cases are preventable or treatable”, he commented.
In Australia, it is estimated that over 13 million people have one or more chronic eye conditions, mostly in older people
In Australia, it is estimated that over 13 million people have one or more chronic eye conditions, mostly in older people. According to an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2017–18 National Health Survey, chronic eye conditions affected 93% of people aged 65 and over, compared with only 12% among people aged 0–14. Females The eye care community is being encouraged to get behind World Sight Day on 10 October.
experience a higher prevalence of chronic eye conditions than males (59% and 51% respectively).
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How You Can Support World Sight Day
Eye care professionals can support World Sight Day by:
- Champion initiatives that enhance the availability of eye care services, especially in marginalised communities.
- Make a donation to support organisations that offer eye care services, treatment, and resources to those in need.
- Spread awareness about the significance of maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss within your community and across social media platforms.
- Be a driving force for positive change in eye health initiatives by actively spreading awareness and inspiring others to join the movement towards a brighter future for vision care. Visit: vision2020australia.org.au/our-work/worldsightday.
