For a while now I have been speaking about the upcoming major eye health event known as World Sight Day which is celebrated on the second Thursday of every October every year and in those posts, I talked about what we should be expecting and how we can make good use of this opportunity.
The week we are starting is actually the week where we get to have this global awareness and celebration day and with that, I felt it imperative that I come again to give you not only a heads-up but also remind us of all we stand to gain should we embrace this event and participate in it fully.
What WSD is about and What You Stand to Gain
As you may have already guessed, World Sight Day (WSD) focuses on creating global awareness of ocular health, this activity is led by the International Agency for Prevention of blindness (IAPB), supported by the World Health Organization as well as many other international agencies and NGOs.
Every year there is a theme is chosen or given to lead the awareness creation, this directs ocular healthcare workers in their education plan on social media and any other outlets that may be available, and for the past few years, this has done a lot of good for many, including raised awareness on glaucoma and preventable blinding conditions, saving lots of lives or sights as we know it.
Now what do you stand to gain looking forward to this event and participating as an individual who may not necessarily be a health worker or a specialist in the eyecare industry? During World Sight Day or the days leading to the big day, many activities get organized by the international body itself as well as eye care facilities within the various geographical locations on the various continents and within your communities.
@nattybongoYou just have to be on the lookout, check social media, or follow the local news to be in the know, but more often than not, these facilities tend to organize a lot of free eye screening programs to draw individuals who may never have had their eyes checked before, this is one of the tools been used by the eye care industry to detect glaucoma and help reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness.
I always say it is better late than never, sight is so important, you wouldn't realize it until something happens, but why wait? Take advantage of the upcoming celebration, visit the nearest screening center or even the eye clinic to check your eyes for free or at a discounted price. You have a refractive error, during these times, the cost of lenses is drastically cut down as part of the celebration, it is much like how black Friday month works, and there's no better time to get your lenses than now.
So individuals who may be into photography and design, well I should have mentioned this earlier since the deadline is already due however, World Sight Day presents a photo challenge where we capture before-eye care memories or moments and submit them for a chance to win cash prizes as well as other prizes. You do not necessarily have to be in the eyecare industry, you can partner with one though if you wish to enter into this competition. Last but not least, share what you learn with another, you may just save a sight.
Conclusion
And so with all that said, I do hope that you are ready for the big celebration and are in anticipation of getting your eyes and that of your family and loved ones checked on this day. Remember, your eyes are your windows to the beautiful scenery of this world.
@nattybongoAs I wrap up, I would like to once again remind us to be particular about what we put on our eyes in terms of medication and what we expose our eyes to, when in doubt see a professional, and avoid over-the-counter medication without proper care of diagnosis. It is a pleasure serving you once again. Cheers!